Tasing flags off E-Rickshaws/ Carts for SHGs members under Gram Bandhu Project

PASIGHAT, March 22: Minister of Rural Development, Panchayati Raj & Cooperation, Ojing Tasing, today flagged off the Gram Bandhu Project, an innovative income enhancement project under the revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA 2025–26) of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj at the IGJHSS Auditorium here.

As part of the initiative, implemented by the Department of Panchayati Raj in the state, Tasing distributed keys to 20 e-rickshaws/carts to 20 Self-Help Group (SHG) members from East Siang district.

The project aims to promote rural livelihoods, generate employment, and economically empower rural women through eco-friendly and sustainable transportation.

The Panchayati Raj Minister flagged off the e-rickshaws/carts in the presence of MLAs Ninong Ering, Tapi Darang, Oken Tayeng; Director, Panchayati Raj, GoAP, Tajing Jonnom; DC Sonalika Jiwani; SP Pankaj Lamba; ZPC Ruth Tabing Boko; Deputy Chief Councillor (PMC), Kamin Lego; ADC-cum-DPDO East Siang, Pebika Lego; ZPMs; SHG members; Nodal Officer (Gram Bandhu Project), Tapang Kopak; Chief Operating Officer, ArSLM, Jechonia Islary, among others.

Addressing a large gathering of SHG members and PRI representatives, Tasing urged beneficiaries to utilize the e-rickshaws to access new markets for their organic produce and products, while also creating additional employment opportunities in rural Arunachal Pradesh.

Tasing spoke on the top priority of the Central Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the State Government led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu in fostering growth for rural development and addressing the aspirations of rural denizens through various rural-focused initiatives.

He added that the project is envisaged to be implemented in a phased manner across other districts of the state, with a focus on strengthening grassroots governance and enhancing sustainable income sources for rural communities.

Earlier, Director, Panchayati Raj, Tajing Jonnom briefed the objectives of the scheme, aiming to reach target women SHGs of the concerned Gram Panchayats for income generation and to support the sale/marketing of organic local vegetables and various SHG products, thereby boosting the rural economy with the advantage of low operating costs of e-rickshaws.

ADC (Hq) cum DPDO, Pebika Lego also highlighted the significance of the initiative in her welcome address to the gathering and invitees.