Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu praised the Northeast’s significant progress in the last decade, shifting from a region associated with insurgency and underdevelopment to a key contributor to India’s growth. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for prioritizing the region’s development, leading to improved infrastructure and connectivity that have reshaped the area’s economic and social fabric.
Khandu emphasized the impact of regular visits by Union Ministers and officials to the Northeast in identifying and resolving issues promptly, thus expediting development. Speaking at the Isaac Centre for Public Policy Growth Conference 2026 in New Delhi, he highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s strategic importance as the largest and easternmost state in the Northeast.
The Chief Minister traced Arunachal Pradesh’s journey from being the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) to achieving full statehood in 1987, underscoring its cultural diversity with 26 major tribes and numerous sub-tribes. He noted Hindi’s role as a unifying language across different communities, emphasizing the state’s rich heritage and diversity.
Describing Arunachal Pradesh as a significant contributor to India’s hydropower generation, Khandu mentioned ongoing projects with a capacity of 19,000 MW and a future target of 40,000 MW by 2047. He also highlighted the state’s progress in tourism, agriculture, and horticulture sectors, attributing the growth to enhanced connectivity and infrastructure development.
The Chief Minister discussed governance reforms focusing on transparency and merit-based recruitment, including the establishment of a transparent Staff Selection Board. He highlighted educational reforms aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, aiming for quality enhancement and community involvement in education, especially in remote areas.
