CHONGKHAM, 16 Aug: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said strengthening human capital remains central to the state's development agenda, with particular focus on youth, education, skills, entrepreneurship and employment.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion of the Independence Day celebration here, Mein called upon the people to contribute collectively towards building a Viksit Arunachal, saying that Viksit Bharat@2047 cannot be achieved without a Viksit Arunachal.

"The goal of Viksit Arunachal is to build a state that is well-connected, economically strong, socially inclusive, strategically secure, environmentally sustainable and culturally confident," he said. He called upon the people to work together towards stronger villages, empowered women, prosperous farmers, capable youth and sustainable growth.

On the occasion, he also highlighted the state's development journey.

Mein said Arunachal Pradesh's Gross State Domestic Product [GSDP] has increased from Rs 20,373 crore to Rs 50,651 crore, while per capita income has more than doubled. He said the State Own Resources have increased 5.61 times, GST collections have risen 7.8 times, and the state budget has grown from Rs 12,533 crore in 2015-16 to Rs 39,842 crore in 2025-26.

Mein asserted that the stronger financial base is enabling greater investment in infrastructure and public services.

On connectivity, rural roads under PMGSY have increased from 4,131 km to 14,926 km, while National Highways have expanded from 1,043 km to 2,538 km, he said. Mein said that the annual pace of road construction has increased from around 300 km to nearly 1,800 km.

He highlighted the Vibrant Villages Programme as an important initiative for strengthening border communities. "Phase-I has covered 105 roads spanning 1,022 km and connecting 125 villages and habitations along the Indo-Tibet border, while Phase-II is extending coverage to another 122 villages along the Indo-Myanmar and Indo-Bhutan borders," Mein said.

He said the proposed Frontier Highway with an investment of around Rs 55,000 crore will further strengthen strategic connectivity.

The DCM announced that Namsai has received approval for a medical college under the Aspirational District Programme of the Government of India, to be operated in PPP mode.

He also said that around 156 startups have been incubated and stressed the importance of creating opportunities within Arunachal while preparing young people to compete at the national and global level.

The DCM also highlighted the potential of agriculture and rural enterprises, noting that more than 1.14 lakh farmers are supported under PM-KISAN, over 1.27 lakh Kisan Credit Cards have been issued and around 28,000 hectares have been brought under organic farming. He stressed the need to move towards commercial and value-added agriculture through better processing, branding and market access.

On tourism, the DCM highlighted the region's potential for Buddhist and spiritual tourism, cultural, heritage, rainforest and adventure tourism.

He highlighted destinations including Parshuram Kund, Kongmu Kham, the World War II cemetery and museum at Jairampur, and the Stilwell Road-Pangsau Pass heritage corridor, besides the rich biodiversity of Namdapha Wildlife Sanctuary, Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Manabhum Reserve Forest. He said improved connectivity and community-based tourism can create new livelihood opportunities while showcasing the region's history, spirituality, culture and natural heritage.

Mein also welcomed the recognition of Glaw Lake as India's 101st Ramsar Site and the first Ramsar site of Arunachal Pradesh, describing it as a significant milestone in the state's conservation journey.

He further highlighted hydropower as a major economic opportunity for Arunachal Pradesh, which has an estimated potential of around 58,000 MW.

With 2025-2035 declared as the Decade of Hydropower, he said the sector could generate employment, revenue and local development while stressing that projects must be pursued responsibly with due regard for the environment and indigenous communities.

On the occasion, various exhibition stalls were put up by SHGs, FPOs, Agriculture, Horticulture and other departments, showcasing local produce, value-added products, traditional crafts and indigenous products.

He interacted with farmers, SHG members, FPO representatives, artisans and local entrepreneurs and appreciated their efforts in strengthening grassroots livelihoods and local enterprise.

Earlier, Mein paid tribute to the freedom fighters. [DCM's Media Cell]