Itanagar, Feb 5: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday credited sustained central support under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the unprecedented transformation witnessed in the Northeast over the past decade.
Speaking during the Motion of Thanks on the governor’s address in the Assembly, Khandu said Modi has worked to address “decades of neglect” faced by the region post-Independence. He added that the progress across the Northeast reflects the Prime Minister’s commitment to bridging historical gaps as part of the vision for a “Viksit Bharat @2047.”
Khandu highlighted key achievements noted in the governor’s address, including infrastructure, connectivity, human capital development, education, youth empowerment, rural economy, artisan livelihoods, and hydropower. He emphasized improved Centre-state engagement, with central ministers frequently visiting and approvals being fast-tracked.
He cited major investments such as over Rs 3,000 crore under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Road Development Plan and Rs 1,000 crore for the Vibrant Village Programme, which has strengthened border economies, promoted tourism up to the Line of Actual Control, created local jobs, and reduced rural-urban migration.
The Chief Minister also pointed to the new terminal at Donyi Polo Airport in Hollongi, which won the best airport award under the UDAN scheme. He highlighted reforms in education and health, youth skill development initiatives, 237 startups already established, and the growth of manufacturing units aimed at leveraging the demographic dividend.
Describing tourism as a key future economic driver, Khandu urged MLAs to support its development and called for amendments to the hydropower policy to benefit project-affected communities. He also praised the ‘Cabinet Aap Ki Dwar’ initiative and announced a forthcoming workshop for MLAs to refine policies.
The motion was moved by BJP MLA Mahesh Chai, seconded by Hage Apa, and adopted by voice vote before Speaker Tesam Pongte adjourned the session sine die.
