GUWAHATI: Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet has approved establishment of a new department called Department of Indigenous Faith & Cultural Affairs (DIFCA). Chief Minister Pema Khandu who chaired the Cabinet meeting here maintained that due to globalization, exposure and external influences the indigenous communities of the state are fast getting disconnected with their rich culture and languages that calls for specific steps to preserve and protect them from disappearing into oblivion.
“Creation of an independent department to look after preservation, protection and promotion of the rich indigenous cultural heritage of the state is a right step in the wake of fast changing world. We cannot let our indigenous culture just fade away like many in the world,” Khandu reasoned.
While giving its nod to the proposal, the state Cabinet also approved creation of seven numbers of posts to begin with including that of a Director of the department that would be headed by a Secretary. The Department of Indigenous Faith and Cultural Affairs would function basically to preserve and promote culture and faiths of the indigenous communities of the state.
The Department of Indigenous Faith & Cultural Affairs would also work to promote local languages and scripts along with literature on indigenous folklores, folk tales, proverbs, chanting of priests, etc; to preserve and promote indigenous cultural heritage for overall prosperity and constant growth in this regard; to maintain welfare schemes of indigenous priests and the priesthood institution; documentation of ritual systems of traditional marriages, birth, death and festivals, etc and research on traditional medicinal plants and healing system; introduction of certificate courses on indigenous faiths and culture of the state; to preserve and promote indigenous games and sports by conducting tournaments, etc.