Khandu Seeks Special Policy Support for Arunachal at NITI Aayog Meeting

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New Delhi, 12 June: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday urged NITI Aayog to introduce special policy interventions and enhanced support mechanisms to address the unique developmental and strategic challenges faced by the frontier state.

Speaking at a high-level interaction of Chief Ministers from the North Eastern States convened by NITI Aayog, Khandu highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s vast geographical expanse, difficult terrain, dispersed population, and strategic location, stressing the need for dedicated infrastructure and development support.

Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his continued focus on the North East through the Act East Policy, Khandu said the region has witnessed significant improvements in connectivity, infrastructure, and public confidence, creating new opportunities for growth and development.

The Chief Minister informed the meeting that Arunachal Pradesh has set a target of generating 40,000 MW of hydropower by 2047 and sought coordinated support from NITI Aayog and relevant ministries to sustainably harness the State’s hydropower potential. He also emphasized the need for skill development and promotion of ancillary industries to ensure local communities benefit from hydropower investments.

Khandu called for a review of population-based funding criteria, arguing that existing allocation mechanisms place geographically large but sparsely populated states like Arunachal Pradesh at a disadvantage. He urged NITI Aayog to consider alternative parameters that better reflect the State’s developmental needs and strategic importance.

On rural connectivity, he sought expansion of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) to cover villages with populations of 250 and above. While acknowledging the success of the Vibrant Villages Programme, he noted that many remote settlements remain disconnected due to inadequate road infrastructure.

The Chief Minister also pointed out that Arunachal Pradesh has received fewer externally aided projects compared to several other North Eastern states and requested NITI Aayog to explore mechanisms to bridge the gap.

Seeking support for institutional development, Khandu highlighted the establishment of the Institute of Transforming Arunachal and requested NITI Aayog’s guidance in developing it into a premier policy and governance think tank.

He further showcased governance initiatives such as Sarkar Aapke Dwar, Seva Aapke Dwar, and Cabinet Aapke Dwar, which bring government services directly to remote villages and strengthen citizen engagement.

On administrative reforms, Khandu advocated the creation of a separate All India Services cadre for Arunachal Pradesh, stating that frequent transfers under the current arrangement affect continuity in governance. He proposed a joint cadre arrangement with Mizoram, a suggestion that reportedly received support from Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma.

The Chief Minister also proposed empowering the North Eastern Council (NEC) to function as the “NITI Aayog of the North East” to better address region-specific challenges and coordinate development priorities across the region.

During the meeting, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery appreciated Arunachal Pradesh’s diverse human capital and suggested strengthening Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) 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 lauded Arunachal Pradesh’s progressive hydropower policies and underscored the importance of sustainable utilization of natural resources.

The deliberations reflected a shared commitment among North Eastern states to accelerate development, improve connectivity, and harness the region’s natural and human resources for long-term prosperity.