Human Rights International Federation Calls for Investigation into PMGSY Projects in Dibang Valley

Itanagar, India Jul 18, 2026 ALN: ITANAGAR, 17 Jul: The state unit of the Human Rights International Federation (HRIF) has urged the state government to constitute a high-level independent technical inquiry committee to investigate the alleged irregularities in the execution of PMGSY and Rural Works Department (RWD) road projects in Dibang Valley district. This call for investigation comes amid growing concerns about the integrity and efficacy of developmental projects aimed at improving rural infrastructure in one of India’s most remote regions.

The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is a flagship program initiated by the Indian government in 2000 with the objective of providing all-weather road connectivity to unconnected villages. Given the geographical challenges and the socio-economic context of areas like Dibang Valley, such initiatives are critical for enhancing the quality of life, facilitating access to markets, education, and healthcare, and promoting overall economic development. However, the HRIF has raised alarms regarding the execution of these projects, suggesting that there may be significant deviations from the program's guidelines.

HRIF state president Ano Umpey highlighted that “Dibang Valley is one of the least populated districts in India. Despite having comparatively fewer villages and habitations, an unusually large number of PMGSY projects have been sanctioned over different phases.” This statement underscores a paradox where a sparsely populated region is receiving an influx of infrastructural investments, prompting questions about the rationale behind such decisions. The federation argues that this concentration of projects merits a thorough examination to ensure compliance with planning criteria set forth under PMGSY, which is designed to prioritize connectivity based on need rather than arbitrary allocations.

In a complaint letter addressed to the chief minister, the HRIF alleged the possibility of “artificial fragmentation” of road projects. This term refers to the practice of breaking down larger projects into smaller segments, which can sometimes lead to inefficiencies or misallocation of resources. The federation pointed out that “several projects originate from existing BRO/BRTF roads and extend towards nearby villages,” suggesting that many new projects may not be addressing genuine connectivity gaps but rather duplicating existing infrastructure.

The HRIF cited 17 specific road projects within the Dibang Valley district that they believe warrant scrutiny. While the overarching goal of enhancing rural connectivity is acknowledged, the manner in which these projects have been sanctioned, planned, and executed has raised serious public concern. The federation asserted that based on available departmental records and observations from the field, there are substantial issues that necessitate an independent investigation.

“It requires independent verification whether some stretches have been fragmented into multiple packages, which, if viewed collectively, substantially serve the same road corridor,” the HRIF explained. This statement highlights the need to assess whether the planning processes have been transparent and whether the projects are genuinely serving the intended purpose of improving connectivity.

In their analysis, the HRIF also pointed out that certain projects appear to originate from common junctions or nearby locations, indicating a potential overlap in project scope that could lead to resource wastage. The federation stressed the importance of confirming that every road currently exists exactly on the alignment approved in the Detailed Project Report (DPR). The DPR is a crucial document that outlines the scope, objectives, and execution strategies for infrastructure projects, and any deviations from it could signal mismanagement or corruption.

The HRIF further emphasized that the inquiry should not be limited to assessing construction quality alone. The investigation committee should also evaluate whether each project was genuinely required in areas where the census indicates minimal population density and whether the District Rural Road Plan (DRRP) adequately justified each project's necessity. This broader scope aims to ensure that public funds, which amount to crores of rupees, are utilized effectively and in alignment with the needs of the local population.

In a move to ensure accountability, copies of the complaint letter have been submitted to various high-ranking officials, including the deputy chief minister, the chief secretary, the RWD secretary, and the principal secretary of the prime minister’s office. This dissemination of the complaint underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the federation's intent to ensure that the matter receives the attention it deserves from multiple levels of government. The involvement of senior officials indicates a recognition of the potential implications that these projects may have on both local governance and public trust.

The implications of this investigation could be significant, not only for the future of PMGSY projects in Dibang Valley but also for similar programs across India. If irregularities are confirmed, it may prompt a reevaluation of project planning and execution protocols, as well as a reassessment of how rural infrastructure projects are prioritized and funded. Furthermore, such scrutiny could lead to greater transparency and accountability in the use of public funds, which is crucial in maintaining public trust in government initiatives.

As the situation unfolds, the HRIF's call for an independent inquiry serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in public administration, particularly in regions where development is crucial for socio-economic upliftment. The outcome of this investigation may not only impact the immediate projects in Dibang Valley but could also set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, potentially influencing policy changes and the implementation of rural development programs nationwide.