Itanagar, Jun 4: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) KT Parnaik participated in the 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) held in Shillong on Thursday, highlighting the state's developmental achievements while seeking continued support from the Centre and the NEC to address critical developmental challenges.
Reflecting on the state's developmental trajectory, the Governor said Arunachal Pradesh today is more connected, economically vibrant and institutionally stronger than ever before. Improved road connectivity, digital infrastructure, educational facilities, healthcare services and growing economic activity have significantly enhanced the quality of life of the people, he said.
In a speech tabled during the plenary session, the Governor presented a comprehensive overview of Arunachal’s development journey and the transformative impact of various initiatives supported by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), the Ministry of Home Affairs and the NEC.
He highlighted the state's progress across key sectors, including governance reforms, cultural preservation, hydropower generation, agriculture, rural livelihoods, sports, skill development, entrepreneurship, education, healthcare, infrastructure and connectivity. He said these achievements reflect the collective efforts of the Centre, the State Government, development agencies and local communities working towards inclusive growth.
Expressing gratitude to the Central Government, particularly the Ministries of Home Affairs and DoNER, as well as the NEC, the Governor lauded their continued commitment to the development of the Northeast. He described the NEC plenary as an important platform for discussing the aspirations, concerns and developmental priorities of the region through collaborative dialogue.
Parnaik noted that the forum provides an opportunity to address long-pending issues such as connectivity gaps, border infrastructure, security concerns and enhanced inter-state cooperation and economic integration.
The Governor also welcomed the launch of the Rs 167-crore "Mission on Arunachal Kiwi", describing it as a landmark initiative that will help establish a globally recognised organic kiwi brand from the state. He pointed out that Arunachal Pradesh contributes more than half of India's kiwi production and was the first state in the country to receive organic certification for kiwi cultivation.
According to him, the mission will improve market access, promote value addition, encourage organic farming and generate employment opportunities, particularly for rural youth and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Highlighting the impact of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP), the Governor said the initiative has accelerated development in border villages by improving infrastructure, enhancing connectivity and creating livelihood opportunities. He noted that the programme has empowered local communities, self-help groups and youth to undertake entrepreneurial ventures, including homestays, cafés, eco-tourism projects and handicraft enterprises.
The Governor emphasized that the NEC must continue evolving as a dynamic institution promoting regional planning, policy innovation, knowledge sharing and coordinated implementation of development programmes to ensure balanced growth across the region.
The Governor expressed confidence that with sustained support from the Government of India, proactive leadership from the NEC and collective commitment from all Northeastern states, the vision of a prosperous, connected, secure and sustainable Northeast would become a reality.
He reaffirmed Arunachal Pradesh's commitment to the goals of "Viksit Arunachal" and "Viksit Bharat" and to contributing towards India's vision of inclusive and sustainable development by 2047.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who also attended the plenary session chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, said Arunachal Pradesh is witnessing unprecedented growth and investment across sectors.
"From roads to airports, tourism to startups, agriculture to hydropower, our State is moving faster than ever before," Khandu said, adding that Arunachal Pradesh is emerging as a major growth engine of the Northeast.
He asserted that the opportunities before Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast have never been greater and called for bold decisions and focused implementation to accelerate the region's development.