Arunachal women driving social and economic growth: Governor Parnaik
Synopsis
Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General K.T. Parnaik met NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar in Itanagar to discuss women's welfare and empowerment. He spotlighted the transformative role of women SHGs and women's cultural stewardship across the state's tribal communities, ahead of a Jan Sunvai programme on 29 May.
Key Takeaways
Parnaik (Retd.) met NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar at Lok Bhavan, Itanagar on 27 May 2025 .
Governor praised women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for improving livelihoods and financial independence in rural Arunachal Pradesh.
Women's role in anti-drug campaigns , handloom preservation , and governance was specifically highlighted.
A Jan Sunvai — Rashtriya Mahila Aayog Aapke Dwaar programme is scheduled for 29 May in Itanagar, jointly organised by NCW and the state women's commission.
Yalem Taga Burang , Chairperson of the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women, was present at the meeting.
Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General K.T. Parnaik (Retd.) on Wednesday, 27 May affirmed that women in the state are playing a central and active role in social, economic, and community life, contributing substantially to the overall progress of society. His remarks came during a meeting with National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar at Lok Bhavan in Itanagar.
Key Observations from the Meeting
Governor Parnaik highlighted that Arunachali women are actively engaged across a wide spectrum — from agriculture and entrepreneurship to governance and social campaigns. He particularly commended the growing success of women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), describing them as a transformative force in improving livelihoods, fostering financial independence, and uplifting rural communities across the state.
The Governor and NCW Chairperson also discussed a range of issues and challenges related to the welfare, safety, empowerment, and socio-economic advancement of women in Arunachal Pradesh.
Women as Cultural Custodians
Governor Parnaik drew attention to women's active participation in anti-drug campaigns, cleanliness drives, health and hygiene awareness, and the preservation of traditional handloom, textiles, and indigenous cultural heritage. He noted that across Arunachal Pradesh's diverse tribal communities, women have long served as custodians of family values, traditions, and community harmony.
Emphasising the link between women's empowerment and state progress, Parnaik said that Arunachali women possess 'immense resilience, dignity, and cultural wisdom.' He stressed that greater participation of women in education, governance, entrepreneurship, and nation-building is essential for a progressive, inclusive, and self-reliant Arunachal Pradesh.
Upcoming Jan Sunvai Programme
The Governor welcomed the forthcoming Jan Sunvai — Rashtriya Mahila Aayog Aapke Dwaar programme, scheduled for 29 May in Itanagar. The event is being jointly organised by the NCW and the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women. Parnaik described such initiatives as vital platforms for women to voice concerns, seek support, and strengthen awareness of their rights and opportunities.
Yalem Taga Burang, Chairperson of the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women, was also present at the meeting. The Jan Sunvai programme on 29 May is expected to draw participation from women across the state's tribal communities, providing direct access to redressal and welfare mechanisms.
Point of View
But the emphasis on Self-Help Groups signals a policy direction worth watching — SHGs in the Northeast have historically been underfunded relative to their demonstrated impact on rural income. The Jan Sunvai programme on 29 May will be the real test of institutional intent: whether women from remote tribal areas can access it, and whether grievances raised translate into actionable follow-up. Arunachal Pradesh's gender development indicators remain below the national average in several metrics, and high-level acknowledgement, while welcome, needs to be matched by measurable programme outcomes.
NationPress
12 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Arunachal Pradesh Governor Parnaik say about women in the state?
Governor Lt. General K.T. Parnaik said that women in Arunachal Pradesh are actively contributing to agriculture, entrepreneurship, governance, and social campaigns. He also commended the growing role of women Self-Help Groups in improving rural livelihoods and financial independence.
Who did Governor Parnaik meet on 27 May in Itanagar?
He met National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar at Lok Bhavan in Itanagar. Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women Chairperson Yalem Taga Burang was also present.
What is the Jan Sunvai — Rashtriya Mahila Aayog Aapke Dwaar programme?
It is an outreach programme organised by the NCW in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women, scheduled for 29 May in Itanagar. It provides a platform for women to raise concerns, seek support, and learn about their rights and available opportunities.
Why are women Self-Help Groups significant in Arunachal Pradesh?
According to Governor Parnaik, women SHGs are playing a transformative role in improving livelihoods, promoting financial independence, and uplifting rural communities across the state. They represent one of the most direct mechanisms for economic empowerment at the grassroots level.
What cultural roles do women play in Arunachal Pradesh's tribal communities?
Governor Parnaik noted that women across the state's diverse tribal communities have long been custodians of family values, traditions, and community harmony. They are also active in preserving traditional handloom, textiles, and indigenous cultural heritage.
