Empowering Change: Uplifting the Puroik Community in Arunachal Pradesh

The Arunachal Pradesh government focuses on uplifting the marginalised Puroik community through welfare schemes, vocational training, and educational support. Efforts include financial assistance, hostel construction, and professional education opportunities. An autonomous board oversees implementation. The state considers approaching the Centre for additional support for the tribe.

The Arunachal Pradesh government is striving to uplift the marginalised Puroik community through numerous initiatives. State Minister Kento Jini informed the state Assembly that the government provides welfare schemes, vocational training, and educational support to integrate the Puroik community into the mainstream.

In 2017, the state government established the Autonomous Puroik Welfare Board (APWB) under the Social Justice, Empowerment and Tribal Affairs (SJETA) department to assess the socio-economic condition of the Puroik and ensure effective implementation of central and state welfare schemes. Vocational training programmes, financial aid for self-employment, hostel construction for students, and professional education opportunities like nursing courses are some of the measures introduced.

The Puroik, earlier known as Sulung, are considered one of the most marginalised tribes in Arunachal Pradesh, historically facing social and economic hardships. A key achievement noted was Bopai Puroik's appointment as a deputy commissioner, a first for the community. The state government is exploring further support from the Centre to enhance welfare efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)