Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein met with a delegation from NITI Aayog to discuss the state’s progress and future development plans. He thanked NITI Aayog for its support in improving policies and governance in the state.
During the meeting, Chowna Mein announced the launch of the Institute for Transforming Arunachal (ITA), inspired by NITI Aayog. This think tank will help plan and track development efforts. He requested technical and strategic support from NITI Aayog under the State Support Mission to ensure the institute runs effectively.
Chowna Mein highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s economic growth. The state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) increased by 135%, from ₹20,373 crore in 2016 to ₹47,823 crore in 2024. The state budget grew by 218%, and GST collections rose by 584%, reflecting improved financial health. Infrastructure also improved, with rural roads expanding by 251%, the National Highway network by 143%, and Donyi Polo Airport now equipped for night landings.
In education and healthcare, the state made notable progress. The TRIHMS Medical College, the first in Arunachal, was established, and school dropout rates decreased from 9% to 2.3%. Over 1.12 lakh women have joined Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for financial independence. Additionally, 455 remote villages were included in the Vibrant Villages Programme to enhance border infrastructure.
Arunachal Pradesh also saw growth in agriculture, sports, and environmental efforts. It became India’s top kiwi producer, yielding over 7,000 metric tonnes with organic certification. The state received GI tags for 20 indigenous products. In sports, 54 Khelo India Centres helped athletes win 1,000+ medals. The government remains committed to environmental sustainability through the Pakke Declaration on Climate Change.
Mein declared 2025-26 as the ‘Year of Human Capital’, focusing on education, infrastructure, the economy, and innovation. Key initiatives include Mission Shikshit Arunachal 2029, a ₹3,000 crore project for implementing NEP 2020 and skill development, and the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive State Rural Roads Development Programme, which will invest ₹2,000 crore over four years to improve rural connectivity.
To promote tourism, the Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Policy 2025-30 aims to position the state as a leading destination. Planned projects include the Institute of Allied Health Sciences in Jang with a ₹492.50 crore investment and the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Seijosa, Pakke-Kessang with a ₹124.50 crore investment. The government also plans to enhance AI-based governance, including the CM Dashboard and start-up evaluation systems.
Mein sought NITI Aayog’s support in key areas such as lifting the ₹750 crore cap on Arunachal’s investment in hydropower projects, improving rail and air connectivity, expanding 5G and 4G networks, upgrading administrative infrastructure, and developing a monorail system for Itanagar-Naharlagun Twin Capital City. He also proposed recognizing Thembang Fortified Village as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The NITI Aayog delegation, led by Maj Gen K Narayanan (Retd), suggested focusing on tourism, infrastructure, governance, and digital transformation. They recommended developing the Si-Na-Li-Ta Tourism Circuit in Upper Subansiri, creating a Zemithang Model Village in Tawang, and integrating Zemithang and Limeking into the Aspirational Block Programme. They also emphasized leveraging NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub for digital governance.
In conclusion, Mein reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investment, financial stability, and inclusive development. He also introduced an Infrastructure Monitoring Portal to track major projects. With NITI Aayog’s collaboration, Arunachal Pradesh is on a path to sustainable and balanced growth. (PR)