Itanagar — In a landmark move poised to reshape local governance, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has unveiled a sweeping reform agenda, encapsulated in the state’s new Sustainable, Participatory, Inclusive, Comprehensive, and Empowerment (SPICE) formula. The initiative aims to fortify the state’s panchayati raj institutions (PRIs), heralding a new era of grassroots democracy where local bodies are empowered to steer their own development. The Chief Minister, taking to social media, underscored the government’s commitment to making village-level institutions the epicentre of local development, ensuring empowerment “like never before.”
A cornerstone of this reform is the complete devolution of all 29 subjects listed in the 11th Schedule of the Constitution to the panchayats. This strategic transfer of authority provides these local bodies with the autonomy to plan and execute development schemes tailored to the specific needs of their communities. The financial commitment to this vision is equally significant, with budget allocations for PRIs witnessing a remarkable 308 per cent increase over the last four years. Adding to this financial muscle, 10 per cent of the state’s tax revenue has been exclusively set aside for panchayati raj institutions, providing them with the necessary resources to operate with greater efficiency and independence. Chief Minister Khandu’s vision is clear: to transform panchayats into the cornerstones of participatory governance, cementing the belief that “grassroots democracy has been strengthened for real development.” Officials in the state capital note that the SPICE model signifies a fundamental shift towards decentralised governance, positioning local bodies as the primary drivers of social, economic, and infrastructural change in the frontier state.
Read More: Army’s ‘Gajraj’ Troops Brave Night and Terrain to Rescue Injured Arunachal Cop