In a significant meeting with the visiting Members of the 16th Finance Commission at the Chief Minister’s Office, Niti Vihar, Itanagar, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Chowna Mein presented a strong case for tailored financial support for Arunachal Pradesh, spotlighting the State’s environmental contributions, strategic importance, and developmental challenges.
Welcoming the Commission, Chowna Mein highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s vast natural wealth, particularly its dense forest cover, which constitutes nearly 79% of the State’s total area. He encouraged the Commission to recognize the opportunity cost of environmental conservation. He pressed for a Green Bonus to compensate for the State’s vital role in carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation, aligning with India’s climate commitments.
Addressing the State’s increasing vulnerability to natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and the impacts of climate change, Deputy CM Chowna Mein called for dedicated funds to build climate-resilient infrastructure, strengthen disaster preparedness, and revive traditional water sources like springs that serve as lifelines for rural communities.
Chowna Mein also drew attention to the high infrastructure delivery costs due to Arunachal’s rugged and mountainous terrain. He emphasized the need to revise the Cost Disability Index to ensure that the State’s logistical and topographical disadvantages are adequately factored into the resource allocation formula.
Given Arunachal Pradesh’s strategic location—sharing over 1,800 km of international borders with China (Tibet), Myanmar, and Bhutan—Mein proposed the development of Model Border Villages equipped with essential facilities such as roads, electricity, healthcare, and education, to promote security and inclusive development in remote frontier regions.
On the economic front, Mein underscored the importance of strengthening agriculture and horticulture, advocating for investments in multi-cropping systems, irrigation infrastructure, and agricultural value chains. He also pitched for support to unlock the State’s massive hydropower potential of over 58,000 MW, which he said could contribute significantly to India’s energy security and clean energy goals.
He further urged the Commission to consider Arunachal’s low population density, vast geographical spread, and escalated developmental costs while deciding financial devolution, calling for a framework that ensures equity, adequacy, and inclusivity.
Reiterating the State’s commitment to the national vision, Mein expressed confidence that with the backing of the 16th Finance Commission, Arunachal Pradesh can emerge as India’s eastern gateway, a hub for green growth, and a model of resilience and sustainable development.
The meeting provided a crucial platform for the State to present its distinct developmental needs, strategic imperatives, and vision for inclusive growth before the Finance Commission. (PR)