ITANAGAR, May 2: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday attended the ICPP Growth Conference 2026 at the Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi, where he highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s development trajectory and future potential.
The conference, hosted by the Isaac Centre for Public Policy under Ashoka University, brought together policymakers, academicians and thought leaders from across the country.
Addressing the gathering, Khandu described Arunachal Pradesh as strategically significant and rich in natural and cultural resources. He traced its evolution from the North-East Frontier Agency to full-fledged Statehood in 1987, and highlighted its diversity comprising 26 major tribes and over a hundred sub-tribes.
He said the Northeast has witnessed a major transformation over the past decade, attributing the shift to focused policy attention under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Regular visits by Union ministers and officials, he noted, have accelerated development by ensuring better coordination and timely resolution of issues.
Highlighting economic potential, Khandu termed Arunachal Pradesh a “powerhouse of India” in hydropower, with projects of around 19,000 MW under development and a long-term target of 40,000 MW by 2047. He also pointed to significant progress in tourism, agriculture and horticulture, supported by improved connectivity and infrastructure.
On governance, the Chief Minister emphasized reforms aimed at transparency in recruitment, including strengthening of the AP Staff Selection Board and the AP Public Service Commission to ensure merit-based appointments.
In the education sector, he said reforms aligned with the National Education Policy 2020 are being implemented, with a focus on quality improvement. Rationalization of over 600 non-viable schools and expansion of higher education and healthcare institutions were cited as key steps.
Khandu also underlined the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability, in line with India’s global commitments at COP26, stressing community participation in conservation efforts.
He highlighted grassroots outreach initiatives such as “Seva Aapke Dwar” and “Sarkar Aapke Dwar” for delivering government services to remote areas, and referred to national programmes like the Vibrant Villages Programme as catalysts for inclusive growth.
The Chief Minister reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh is steadily transforming through sustained reforms, infrastructure development, and people-centric governance. He emphasized that investing in people, education, and opportunities is key to long-term growth and nation-building.
Emphasizing people-centric development, Khandu said, “When we invest in people and create opportunities, we move forward together.”
The conference provided a platform for deliberations on public policy, education and inclusive growth. The Chief Minister also expressed gratitude to Ashish Dhawan, Founding Chairperson of Ashoka University, for the invitation.