Itanagar, Jul 15: The North Eastern Council (NEC), under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), has released over Rs 19.03 crore during May–June 2026 to support a range of development projects in Arunachal Pradesh aimed at strengthening healthcare, education, tourism, rural development, agriculture, livelihoods and road connectivity.
The funding includes Rs 16.03 crore under the Schemes of NEC (SoNEC) and Rs 3 crore under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS).
Among the major projects supported are the construction of a Nursing Hostel at District Hospital, Yingkiong in Upper Siang to enhance healthcare services and a Girls' Hostel at Donyi Polo Government College, Kamki, West Siang district to improve access to higher education for female students.
To promote eco-tourism and generate local employment, NEC has funded the development of a Tourism Complex at Sapparijo (Kicho) and the Pasighat–Yingkiong View Point along NH-513.
The Council has also supported the establishment of a Persimmon Processing Common Facility Centre at Dirang to strengthen the horticulture value chain, reduce post-harvest losses and improve farmers' incomes. In Changlang district, a Supermarket-cum-Parking Facility at Kharsang has been sanctioned to improve market infrastructure, support local businesses and ease traffic congestion.
In an effort to preserve indigenous heritage while creating sustainable livelihoods, NEC has extended assistance for the revival of the traditional Mon-Shugu handmade paper craft and for strengthening welfare infrastructure for the Meyor community, particularly in border areas.
Under NESIDS-Roads, the released funds will support the ongoing Bana via Old Sopung–Chijang Kajing Road (NH-513) project, which is expected to improve connectivity and access to healthcare, education and markets. Funds have also been released for the continued improvement of the 55-km Pakke–Seijosa–Itakhola Road, a key route in the Himalayan foothills.
During the same period, the Nacho Backward Block Development Project, implemented under SoNEC, was completed, providing improved infrastructure and essential public services in one of Arunachal Pradesh's most remote regions.
In addition, NEC released Rs 18.93 crore during May–June to regional agencies, including universities, technical institutes, NGOs and societies, for development initiatives across the Northeast. The funding also supported the Eagle Nest Bird Festival, organised by the Art & Culture, Eco-Tourism Society of Arunachal Pradesh.
The NEC, in a communique, said the investments reaffirm its commitment to accelerating inclusive and sustainable development in Arunachal Pradesh by improving infrastructure, strengthening public services, enhancing livelihoods and ensuring better connectivity for remote communities.