Arunachal Dy CM unveils bold vision for growth in meeting with NITI Aayog delegation

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 22, 2025

Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein engaged in a crucial discussion with a delegation from NITI Aayog at the State Civil Secretariat on Friday, outlining an ambitious roadmap for the state’s economic transformation, infrastructure expansion, and governance reforms.

Expressing gratitude to NITI Aayog for its sustained partnership, Mein emphasized its pivotal role in monitoring and enhancing the state’s socio-economic progress. He announced the establishment of an Institute for Transforming Arunachal (ITA), modelled after NITI Aayog, to act as a policy think tank. The institute will focus on development direction (Disha) and impact assessment (Dasha), and Mein sought technical and strategic support from NITI Aayog under the State Support Mission (SSM) for its operation.

The meeting also highlighted NITI Aayog’s efforts in uplifting Arunachal’s Aspirational Districts and Blocks, particularly Chongkham, Tali, and Pongchau, which have witnessed substantial improvements in key performance indicators (KPIs).

Mein presented a strong economic performance report for Arunachal Pradesh, showcasing 135% increase in GSDP from Rs 20,373 Cr (2016) to Rs 47,823 Cr (2024), 218% budget expansion, 584% surge in GST collections, reflecting a stronger revenue base, 251% rise in rural roads development and 143% expansion of National Highways and upgraded Donyi Polo Airport with all-weather and night-landing facilities.

Declaring 2025-26 as the ‘Year of Human Capital’, Mein emphasized massive investments in education, healthcare, and skill development, including Mission Shikshit Arunachal 2029, a Rs 3,000 Cr project for NEP 2020 implementation and skill training, Rs 2,000 Cr investment in the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive State Rural Roads Development Programme, 455 remote villages included in the Vibrant Villages Programme for border development, Arunachal becoming India’s top Kiwi producer with a record 7,000+ MT yield and organic certification, 20 indigenous products securing GI tags, preserving cultural heritage and 54 Khelo India Centres established, contributing to 1,000+ medals won by Arunachal’s athletes

The Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Policy 2025-30 will position the state as a leading tourism destination, focusing on niche tourism and world-class infrastructure.

Mein called for NITI Aayog’s support in lifting the Rs 750 Cr cap on state equity in hydropower projects to accelerate clean energy expansion, enhancing regional connectivity through expanded rail and air networks, achieving 100% 4G/5G network saturation to bridge the digital divide, developing a monorail system in the Itanagar-Naharlagun Twin Capital City to improve urban mobility and upgrading administrative infrastructure to strengthen governance.

Additionally, Mein advocated for the recognition of Thembang Fortified Village as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, emphasizing its cultural and historical significance.

Maj Gen (Retd) K Narayanan, Programme Director (Security & Law) & State Advisor to Arunachal, NITI Aayog, recommended developing the Si-Na-Li-Ta Circuit (Siyum, Nacho, Limeking, and Taksing) in Upper Subansiri to boost tourism, establishing Zemithang Model Village in Tawang, inspired by China’s Xiaokang villages, for rural transformation, strengthening financial support mechanisms and integrating Zemithang & Limeking into the Aspirational Block Programme and leveraging NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub to advance digital governance and technology-driven development.

Concluding the session, Mein reiterated Arunachal Pradesh’s commitment to strategic investments, sustainable fiscal policies and inclusive development.

He announced the launch of an Infrastructure Monitoring Portal to track major projects and ensure timely execution. He also expressed optimism for a deeper collaboration with NITI Aayog in realizing Arunachal’s vision for growth.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Kaling Tayeng, Secretary (Planning & Investment) R K Sharma, Commissioners, Secretaries, DCs of Namsai & Longding, and officials from NITI Aayog and Planning & Investment departments.