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Promote sports culture with professionalism: Rijiju

Itanagar: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday called for the encouragement of sports culture in the state.

Addressing a meeting at Roing in Lower Dibang Valley district as part of his ‘Jan Ashirwad Yatra’, the Union Law and Justice Minister sought professionalism in sports, which he said would bring out sports persons who can represent the country at international events and Olympics and bring medals.

Speaking on the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2021, Rijiju said identity is very important for a tribal community and the exclusion of a large number of state tribes in the Constitution was thus unfortunate.

“The recent inclusion of a few tribes of the state in the Scheduled Tribe list with correction in nomenclature was a historical step which bestowed recognition to many tribes of the state. Our children were in danger due to not having a proper identity and not getting all the benefits given by the government but now the situation has changed,” he said.

The union minister also called for the promotion of quality tourism in a balanced and sustainable way and preserving nature, land, tribal identity, culture and traditions.

Rijiju sought the blessings of the people and thanked them for their love and support, saying that his elevation to the rank of a minister in the Modi cabinet was the recognition of Arunachal Pradesh and its people.

“Celebrating 75 years of independence, we are on an important journey and have to decide on the vision and road map of what we want our state to be in 100 years of our independence in 2047,” he said.

He urged all to prepare a roadmap of the development and progress they wanted in the district in the next 25 years. “Our elders have taken the state forward and now it’s our turn to shoulder the responsibility and take it forward,” he said.

Lok Sabha member Tapir Gao spoke on the welfare schemes of the central government for the benefit of the people, especially the Ujjwala scheme that entails free gas cylinders to BPL households that were left out in the first phase.

BJP state unit president Biyuram Wahge stressed that ‘Jan Ashirwad’ was not a political programme but to seek people’s blessing and to meet them. He added that all should take inspiration from Rijiju to work hard and dedicatedly for the people and reach greater heights.

MLA Gum Tayeng expressed her happiness over the recognition given to a son of the soil by the central government. MLA Mutchu Mithi congratulated Rijiju on holding an important portfolio that was once held by B.R. Ambedkar.

He also thanked all who had worked for the amendment of the constitution to change the nomenclature of many tribes and which has bestowed a correct identity to many people.

Deputy Commissioner K.N. Damo and Idu MishmiCultural and Literary Society President Ginkgo Linggi also spoke on the occasion.

Later, Rijiju and Gao took stock of the flood situation in the district at Sissar bridge and Dibang bridge. (DIPRO)