Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday said that with unstinted support from the Centre, the Northeastern state has achieved many milestones in ensuring holistic development, with a determination to ensure that no one and no region is left behind.
“Arunachal Pradesh today can be cited as an ideal example of wholesome development. From overhauling of infrastructure facilities, health and education system, good governance to the welfare of children, women and farmers, Arunachal Pradesh is writing a new chapter of progress in the promotion of local values, ethos and ethics, which makes the state different and a key contributor to make India a $5 trillion economy by 2025,” Khandu said in a write-up.
He said, “From the days of long foot marches, crossing rivers on elephant backs or boats to the world-class roads and bridges, our State emerged as one of the best performing States in building infrastructure. We did remarkably well on all four modes of communication, that is, roads, railways, air, and information technology (IT).
We have connected Tezu and Pasighat with the national aviation map. Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) like Ziro, Tuting, Mechuka and Vijaynagar will help in commencing fixed wing aircraft operations in the State soon. Our dream project – Donyi Polo Airport – connecting the capital Itanagar to the nation is now a shining example of our collective resilience!”
The Donyi Polo Airport was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 19 last.
On the financial front, the Chief Minister said, “Prudent fiscal management has been our hallmark. In the last six years, not even once did our State default in any of its commitments despite a serious shortage of resources due to Covid-19 pandemic. Instead, Arunachal Pradesh has been able to maintain more than 30% share of capital expenditure in total expenditure outlay, which is the best
in the country.
Our state has almost reached the Rs 30,000 crore GSDP mark, out of which Rs 10,000 crore was added to the GSDP only in the past five years. The annual budget size of the state has doubled from Rs 12,553 crore in 2015-16 to Rs 26,111 crore in 2022-23,” he said.
The Chief Minister also stated that peaceful inter-state boundaries and good relationships with neighbouring states are essential for shared growth and prosperity. “Unfortunately, the earlier governments had thought it proper to sideline the seven-decade-old boundary issue between
Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. But we showed a political will to resolve it.”
“We signed the historic ‘Namsai Declaration’ with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on July 15, 2022 following which, 12 Regional Committees, each for the 12 districts where there are issues, were constituted and the number of disputed villages reduced to 86 from 123. The Regional Committees have submitted their recommendations and with the cooperation of the CM of Assam, we shall soon establish peace by resolving all the vexed issues.”
While noting that the year 2022 has been “an eventful year for us with things being positive”, Khandu admitted that “only thing that left a bad taste in the mouth – you all will agree – is the ‘paper leakage’ case of the Assistant Engineer (Civil) competitive examination conducted by the APPSC.”
“Our commitment to take this case to its logical conclusion can be vouched from the fact that so far 37 persons have been arrested. I make it crystal clear that no one involved in the scam will be allowed to go scot free. No one will be allowed to play with the future of our youths,” he reiterated.
“Looking back, I strongly feel that there is no scope for complacency. The task achieved so far gives us strength and inspiration to accomplish the future goals with determination and deal with challenges effectively.
As we bid adieu to 2022, let’s forget the avoidable memories of the past and welcome the New Year with a new spirit. Let us celebrate the past and nurture our future,” Khandu said while wishing all a happy New Year!
