Mandaviya Pledges Sports Boost and Labour Reforms to Empower Arunachal Youth

Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Mansukh L. Mandaviya, has pledged focused support to empower the youth of Arunachal Pradesh through strategic investments in sports development and progressive labour reforms. This commitment was articulated during a high-level meeting with Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) K.T. Parnaik at Raj Bhavan, where both leaders engaged in an in-depth dialogue on advancing youth development in the state.

Governor Parnaik emphasized Arunachal Pradesh’s emergence as a hub of sporting excellence, particularly in disciplines like boxing, martial arts, and athletics. He credited the natural stamina, endurance, and discipline of the tribal youth for their promising performance and stressed that many young talents remain undiscovered due to inadequate infrastructure and training facilities. To address this gap, the governor proposed the construction of multi-disciplinary stadiums in urban centres and the development of sports infrastructure in remote and rural areas to nurture grassroots talent. He advocated for increased investment in football fields, volleyball courts, and archery grounds to cultivate a broad base of sporting disciplines across the state.

Minister Mandaviya echoed these sentiments and affirmed the Centre’s commitment to supporting the Northeast region, particularly Arunachal Pradesh. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he stated that discussions focused on ways to enhance sports participation and unlock the full potential of youth across the state. He noted the importance of integrating youth development into the broader narrative of regional and national growth.

During the meeting, the governor also highlighted the achievements of Arunachal Pradesh’s female mountaineers — Tine Mena, Anshu Jamsenpa, Muri Linngi, Tashi Yangjom, and Kabak Yano — who have successfully summited Mount Everest. He described them as national inspirations whose accomplishments should be recognized and supported at a national level. Their stories, he said, serve as powerful motivators for young girls and aspiring athletes across the country.

Beyond sports, the meeting also focused on labour reforms and employment generation. Governor Parnaik pointed out the need to transition the traditional workforce of the state toward more formal and secure employment opportunities. He called for targeted skill development initiatives, enhanced job creation strategies, and inclusive employment policies that accommodate the unique socio-economic landscape of Arunachal Pradesh. These steps, he asserted, are essential for long-term economic empowerment and youth engagement.

Labour & Employment Minister Nyato Dukam was also present at the discussions, underscoring the state government's active involvement in aligning local initiatives with national development objectives. The meeting marked a significant milestone in fostering collaboration between the central and state governments to ensure that Arunachal Pradesh’s youth have access to meaningful opportunities in sports and employment.

Together, these efforts represent a comprehensive vision for youth empowerment, combining physical development through sports with socio-economic advancement through labour policy reforms. The shared commitment to investment, coordination, and strategic planning reflects a unified approach to nurturing the next generation in one of India’s most strategically and culturally vital states.