Itanagar: The Arunachal Pradesh government has undertaken a series of measures aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of the Puroik community through welfare programmes, skill development initiatives and educational assistance, Social Justice, Empowerment and Tribal Affairs Minister Kento Jini informed the state Assembly on Monday.
Responding to a query raised by BJP MLA Hayeng Mangfi, the minister said the government had set up the Autonomous Puroik Welfare Board (APWB) in 2017 under the SJETA department to assess the socio-economic conditions of the community and ensure effective implementation of both central and state welfare schemes.
The board is headed by the principal secretary of the state government.
Jini said the government has launched several programmes for the welfare of the community, including vocational training, financial assistance to promote self-employment, construction of hostels for Puroik students and opportunities for professional courses such as nursing.
According to the minister, these initiatives aim to strengthen education, expand livelihood opportunities and enhance social security for the community while addressing the long-standing challenges of marginalisation.
The Puroik community, earlier known as the Sulung tribe, is recognised as a Scheduled Tribe in the state and is considered one of the most marginalised communities in Arunachal Pradesh.
Members of the tribe are mainly found in districts such as East Kameng district, Kurung Kumey district, Kra Daadi district, Papum Pare district and Upper Subansiri district.
Historically, the community has faced several social and economic hardships, including instances of bonded labour and social exclusion, which have left them among the most disadvantaged tribal groups in the region.
Highlighting progress within the community, Jini said that under a state Act enacted in 1989, Bopai Puroik was appointed as a circle officer and is currently serving as the deputy commissioner of the newly created Bichom district. He is the first person from the Puroik community to hold the post of deputy commissioner in the state.
Replying to a supplementary question from Mangfi on whether the government would approach the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs to include the community in the list of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) to secure separate funding, the minister said the matter would be taken up with the Centre.
ALSO READ: 165 militants surrender in Tirap, Changlang and Longding in six years: Arunachal Home Minister
He added that as per a gazette notification issued by the state government, the Puroik community is already receiving several welfare benefits aimed at their uplift.
