Itanagar, Jun 12: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday strongly advocated for special policy interventions and enhanced support mechanisms to address Arunachal Pradesh’s unique developmental and strategic challenges during a high-level interaction of North Eastern Chief Ministers convened by NITI Aayog in New Delhi.
Addressing the meeting, Khandu thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his continued support towards the development of the North East and for implementing the Act East Policy, which he said has transformed connectivity, infrastructure and public confidence across the region.
Highlighting Arunachal Pradesh’s vast geographical expanse and strategic importance, the Chief Minister stressed the need for dedicated infrastructure support to overcome challenges posed by difficult terrain and dispersed settlements. He noted that despite being India’s largest state in the Northeast by area, Arunachal Pradesh continues to face unique developmental constraints that require special consideration.
Khandu informed that the state has set a target of generating 40,000 MW of hydropower by 2047 and sought coordinated support from NITI Aayog and concerned ministries to sustainably harness its vast hydropower potential. He also emphasized the need for skilling local youth and promotion of ancillary industries to maximize employment opportunities.
Drawing attention to funding constraints faced by sparsely populated but geographically large states, Khandu urged NITI Aayog to review population-based funding criteria. He pointed out that existing allocation mechanisms often place Arunachal Pradesh at a disadvantage despite its vast area, difficult terrain and strategic importance. He urged NITI Aayog to evolve alternative criteria that better reflect ground realities and developmental requirements.
On rural connectivity, the Chief Minister also called for the expansion of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) to cover villages with populations of 250 and above, noting that many remote settlements still lack road connectivity despite progress under the Vibrant Villages Programme.
Seeking greater developmental support, Khandu pointed out that Arunachal Pradesh has not benefited from externally aided projects compared to several other Northeastern states and requested NITI Aayog to explore suitable mechanisms to bridge the gap.
Khandu further sought NITI Aayog’s guidance in strengthening the newly-established Institute of Transforming Arunachal (ITA) into a premier policy and governance think tank for the State.
Highlighting governance reforms, he showcased initiatives such as Sarkar Aapke Dwar, Seva Aapke Dwar and Cabinet Aapke Dwar, which have improved service delivery and citizen outreach in remote areas. He also informed that the state has successfully implemented e-Vidhan and e-Office systems and is expanding the e-Office platform to district levels.
On administrative reforms, the Chief Minister advocated the creation of a separate All India Services cadre for Arunachal Pradesh, stating that frequent transfers under the existing arrangement affect continuity in governance and policy implementation. He proposed a joint cadre arrangement with Mizoram, a suggestion that received support from the Mizoram Chief Minister.
In another key proposal, Khandu suggested empowering the North Eastern Council (NEC) to function as the “NITI Aayog of the North East” to better address region-specific challenges and coordinate developmental priorities among the Northeastern states.
During the interaction, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Lahiri appreciated Arunachal Pradesh’s diverse human capital and suggested strengthening Industrial Training Institutes through partnerships with major hydropower companies. He also assured support in taking up the state’s concerns with relevant ministries.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma praised Arunachal Pradesh’s progressive hydropower policies and emphasized the importance of developing effective mechanisms for sustainable utilization of natural resources.
The deliberations reflected the collective commitment of the Northeastern states towards accelerating development, improving connectivity and harnessing both natural and human capital for long-term prosperity.
Reaffirming Arunachal Pradesh’s commitment to cooperative federalism, Khandu said that the state would continue working closely with NITI Aayog, the NEC and the Government of India to ensure inclusive and sustainable development.