An Interview with Leegang Ania Shares Insights from AWAZ's Exposure Tour to Sikkim.

Interview with Leegang Ania Shares Insights from AWAZ's Exposure Tour to Sikkim

Leegang Ania, former General Secretary of the Apatani Women Association Ziro (AWAZ), recently embarked on a seven-day exposure tour to Sikkim, exploring the state's thriving tourism industry, exceptional hospitality, and women empowerment initiatives. In an exclusive interview, Anya shared her experiences and key takeaways from the tour.

Sikkim's Tourism Model: A Lesson for Arunachal Pradesh

Ania praised Sikkim's well-structured rural tourism model, highlighting the crucial role of homestays, organic farming, and sustainable practices in the state's economy. She noted that such models could be replicated in Ziro to enhance its status as a tourist destination.

Women-Centric Schemes and Policies in Sikkim

During the tour, the AWAZ team interacted with Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang Golay, who briefed them on various women-centric schemes and policies implemented by the state government. These initiatives include:

- Sikkim Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana (SASY): Providing financial assistance of ₹20,000 to non-working, unwed, widowed, divorced, or separated mothers.
- "Mero Rukh Mero Santati" Initiative: Encouraging environmental conservation by planting 108 trees for every newborn child.
- NAMASTE Yojna, Bauhinia Scheme, and Vatsalya Scheme: Focusing on financial security, education, and employment opportunities for women.

Ania emphasized that these initiatives demonstrate Sikkim's progressive approach to women empowerment, serving as an inspiration for similar policies in Arunachal Pradesh.

Innovative Business Ideas for Arunachal Pradesh

Ania suggested innovative business ideas that could generate income for local communities in Arunachal Pradesh. One such idea was bee farming, as she observed that pure honey is highly valued and expensive in Sikkim. Encouraging beekeeping as an economic activity, she noted that Arunachal Pradesh's rich biodiversity and favorable climate provide an ideal environment for honey production.

Applying Knowledge Gained from Sikkim

The exposure tour provided AWAZ with a comprehensive understanding of sustainable tourism, economic opportunities, and policy-driven empowerment. Anya expressed optimism that the knowledge gained from Sikkim could be effectively applied in Ziro, contributing to community development, women's empowerment, and economic growth.