Cabinet Meeting on Development Priorities: Focus on Infrastructure and Governance

In a pivotal move to chart the course of Arunachal Pradesh’s development trajectory, Chief Minister Pema Khandu chaired a high-level cabinet meeting aimed at deliberating and finalizing the state's key development priorities for the coming fiscal period. The meeting brought together senior ministers, department heads, and planning officials to streamline the government’s vision for sustainable growth, with a strong emphasis on infrastructure expansion and governance reforms.

Key Focus Areas Discussed in the Cabinet Meeting:

1. Infrastructure Development:

• Road Connectivity: Emphasis was placed on the Phase-II implementation of the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive State Road Development Plan, with a focus on improving road networks in remote and border districts.

• Power & Energy: Review of progress on ongoing hydropower, solar, and grid infrastructure projects, with an aim to achieve energy security and enhance distribution efficiency.

• Urban Development: Plans to modernize Itanagar and Pasighat under Smart City initiatives were discussed, including projects like ropeways, e-buses, and waste management systems.

2. Digital and E-Governance Initiatives:

• Expansion of digital governance platforms like LISA (Land Information System of Arunachal) to improve transparency in land and revenue services.

• Introduction of new citizen-centric digital portals for public service delivery in health, education, and welfare.

3. Administrative and Governance Reforms:

• Review of administrative bottlenecks in fund utilization and project implementation.

• Discussion on the rollout of the Arun Parivar Authority Bill, aimed at building a family-centric citizen database to improve welfare targeting.

• Strengthening the Single Window Clearance System to attract private investment and reduce red tape.

4. Rural and Border Area Development:

• Acceleration of rural housing projects under PMAY-G, particularly in border villages, where Arunachal Pradesh has already achieved 100% completion.

• Enhanced financial support for infrastructure in border districts to strengthen connectivity and national security.

5. Social Sector Focus:

• Review of budgetary allocations for education, healthcare, and skill development, ensuring they align with development goals.

• New initiatives for tribal welfare, women's empowerment, and youth engagement through sports and entrepreneurship programs.

Strategic Outcomes Expected:

• Streamlined implementation of high-priority infrastructure projects.

• More efficient governance systems through digitization and administrative reforms.

• Enhanced investment climate with clear policy direction.

• Inclusive development, especially for rural and underserved communities.

• Improved monitoring and accountability in the execution of state-funded projects.

The cabinet meeting reaffirmed the government's commitment to a balanced development model that addresses both physical infrastructure gaps and institutional governance weaknesses. Chief Minister Pema Khandu emphasized inter-departmental coordination, efficient fund utilization, and time-bound delivery of key projects as critical to realizing the state's long-term development vision.