Itanagar, Feb 21: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Friday said Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed unprecedented transformation over the last decade, marked by rapid economic growth, expanded connectivity, hydropower development and empowerment of women and youth.
Addressing the 40th Statehood Day celebration at IG Park here, Mein extended warm greetings to the people of the state and paid homage to the pioneers and visionaries who laid the foundation of the state on February 20, 1987, when it became the 24th state of the Indian Union. He recalled the journey from the days of North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) to full-fledged Statehood, describing it as a remarkable transition from isolation to integration and from limited infrastructure to expanding opportunities.
Highlighting the progress achieved under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu and with the support of the Govt of India led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mein said the last 10 years have accelerated Arunachal’s march towards prosperity.
He stated that the Gross State Domestic Product has grown from Rs 20,373 crore in 2016-17 to Rs 47,823 crore, registering a growth of over 134 per cent. The state budget has expanded from Rs 12,533 crore to Rs 39,842 crore, while per capita income has more than doubled. State own resources have increased significantly and GST collections have grown nearly sevenfold, strengthening fiscal capacity and self-reliance.
On connectivity, Mein said road construction has increased dramatically, with thousands of kilometres under construction annually. The near completion of the Trans-Arunachal Highway and progress on the Frontier Highway marks a new era of strategic and economic connectivity. Border areas such as Kibithoo, Kaho, Walong, Dong, Anini, Mechukha, Vijaynagar and Bumla are now symbols of resilience and development.
The Deputy Chief Minister said installed hydropower capacity has risen from 405 MW to 1,270 MW, positioning Arunachal Pradesh as an emerging hydropower capital of India. With an estimated 58,000 MW potential, the state is expected to play a key role in India’s clean energy ambitions. During the “Decade of Hydropower” (2025–2035), the state aims to add 19 GW of generation capacity with major investments, while ensuring revenue generation and benefits to project-affected families through free power and local area development funds.
He also highlighted achievements in agriculture and horticulture, noting that Arunachal has emerged as India’s leading producer of kiwi and the first to receive organic certification for its cultivation.
Emphasising women and youth empowerment, he informed that more than 1.4 lakh women have been mobilised into Self Help Groups, with over 10,000 “Lakhpati Didis” created. Startup initiatives, skill development programmes and ease-of-doing-business reforms are encouraging entrepreneurship among the youth.
Referring to the vision of Viksit Bharat and rural livelihood initiatives, Mein said focused investment in rural infrastructure, employment generation and local enterprise promotion is ensuring that prosperity reaches the last village and household. He added that the Union Budget 2026-27 has further strengthened development momentum with emphasis on women, youth, agriculture, MSMEs, digital infrastructure and border area development.
The Deputy Chief Minister also underscored the potential of Buddhist tourism in Arunachal Pradesh, stating that places like Tawang, Tuting, Mechukha and Namsai could become key centres in the Northeast Buddhist tourism circuit, promoting cultural diplomacy and sustainable tourism.
Calling Arunachal Pradesh a mosaic of tribes, languages and traditions living in harmony, Mein urged the people to pursue sustainable and inclusive development while preserving the state’s rich cultural and ecological heritage. He appealed to citizens to renew their pledge to work with integrity, serve with dedication and build a united and progressive Arunachal.