NEW DELHI, 12 Jun: Chief Minister Pema Khandu called for special policy interventions and enhanced support mechanisms to address Arunachal Pradesh’ unique developmental and strategic challenges during a NITI Aayog meeting of chief ministers of the Northeastern states here on Friday.

Highlighting Aruna-chal’s vast geographical expanse and strategic significance, the chief minister emphasised the need for dedicated infrastructure support to overcome challenges posed by difficult terrains and dispersed settlements. He noted that,despite being India’s largest state in the Northeast by area, Arunachal continues to face unique developmental constraints that require special consideration.

Khandu said that Arunachal has set an ambitious target of generating 40,000 mw of hydropower by 2047, and sought coordinated support from the NITI Aayog and the ministries concerned to sustainably harness the state’s hydropower potential.

He also stressed the importance of skilling local youths and promoting ancillary industries to maximise employment generation and ensure that local communities benefit from ongoing and upcoming hydropower investments.

Drawing attention to funding challenges faced by sparsely populated but geographically large states, Khandu called for an urgent review of population-based funding criteria. He pointed out that existing allocation mechanisms often place Arunachal at a disadvantage despite its vast area, difficult terrainsand strategic importance.

He urged the NITI Aayog to evolve alternative criteria that better reflect ground realities and developmental requirements.

On rural connectivity, the chief minister emphasised the need to expand the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) to cover unconnected villages with populations of 250 and above.

While appreciating the success of the Vibrant Villages Programme in strengthening border infrastructure and livelihoods, he noted that many villages still remain disconnected due to lack of road access and require focused intervention.

Stating that Arunachal has not benefited from externally aided projects to the same extent as several other Northeastern states, he urged the NITI Aayog to explore suitable mechanisms to bridge this gap and accelerate developmental activities.

Seeking institutional support for policy innovation and governance reforms, Khandu apprised the participants about the establishment of the Institute of Transforming Arunachal, and requested the NITI Aayog’s guidance and handholding in developing the institution into a “premier policy and governance think tank for the state.”

He also showcased several innovative governance initiatives undertaken by the state government, including Sarkar Aapke Dwar, Seva Aapke Dwar and Cabinet Aapke Dwar programmes, which have significantly improved citizen outreach and strengthened public confidence by bringing government services directly to remote villages.

On administrative reforms, the chief minister strongly advocated the creation of a separate All India Services cadre for Arunachal. He observed that the existing arrangement often results in frequent transfers, with officers generally serving tenures of about three years, thereby affecting continuity in policy implementation and institutional capacity building. In this regard, he proposed a joint cadre arrangement with Mizoram – a suggestion that received support from the chief minister of Mizoram.

Khandu also informed the meeting that Arunachal has successfully implemented e-Vidhan and e-Office systems, and that the e-Office platform is now being expanded to the district level to further enhance transparency, accountability and efficiency in governance.

In a significant suggestion aimed at strengthening regional planning mechanisms, the chief minister proposed that the North Eastern Council (NEC) be empowered to function as the “NITI Aayog of the Northeast.” He emphasised that, given the region’s strategic location and shared international borders with several countries, the NEC should play a larger role in addressing region-specific challenges, and in coordinating development priorities of the Northeastern states.

During the interaction, the NITI Aayog vice chairman appreciated the diversity and uniqueness of Arunachal’s human capital and suggested that Industrial Training Institutes could be strengthened through partnerships with major hydropower companies. He also assured full support in taking up the state’s concerns with relevant line ministries.

Reaffirming Arunachal’s commitment to cooperative federalism, Khandu said that the state would continue to work closely with the NITI Aayog, the NEC and the Government of India to transform challenges into opportunities and ensure inclusive and sustainable development for its people.

Khandu acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s support for the development of the Northeastern region and for implementing the Act East Policy in both letter and spirit. He added that the prime minister’s vision “has transformed connectivity, infrastructure and public confidence across the region, creating new opportunities for inclusive growth and development.”

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma lauded Arunachal’s progressive policies in the hydropower sector, and emphasised the importance of developing effective mechanisms for sustainable utilisation of natural resources. (CM’s PR Cell)