Bordumsa: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday marked 10 years in office by outlining his government’s achievements in infrastructure, governance, border development, and welfare initiatives.
In an article titled “Ten Lessons from 10 Years in the Land of the Rising Sun,” Khandu said political stability, infrastructure growth, institutional reforms, environmental conservation, and investment in human resources have been key areas of focus during his tenure.
Khandu said Arunachal Pradesh’s strategic location, with more than 1,000 km of international borders, makes development and security closely linked.
He said roads, bridges, schools, and infrastructure projects in border areas have contributed to both connectivity and national security.
He cited projects such as the Donyi Polo Airport, Sela Tunnel, Trans-Arunachal Highway, and Frontier Highway as major infrastructure initiatives that have improved connectivity and created opportunities in trade, tourism, and regional development.
He also said border villages should be viewed as “India’s first villages” rather than its last settlements.
Speaking about the state’s economic growth, Khandu said Arunachal Pradesh’s Gross State Domestic Product has increased by nearly two-and-a-half times over the past decade, while the state’s own revenue collection has grown fivefold.
He identified hydropower, eco-tourism, entrepreneurship, and responsible use of natural resources as key sectors for future growth.
He said hydropower projects with a combined capacity of around 19,000 MW are currently under different stages of development.
Khandu credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for increased focus on the Northeast and said the government’s approach has helped accelerate infrastructure development and integration of frontier regions.
The Chief Minister also referred to the government’s focus on reaching remote and disadvantaged communities under the principle of Antyodaya.
He said Arunachal Pradesh became the first state in the Northeast to achieve 100 per cent household tap water coverage under the Har Ghar Jal Mission.
On governance reforms, Khandu said his government focused on improving transparency and strengthening institutions.
He cited the establishment of the Staff Selection Board, reforms in the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission, and measures against corruption as key steps taken during his tenure.
He also referred to initiatives such as Sarkar Aapke Dwar and cabinet meetings held at district headquarters, saying these measures helped bring government services closer to people in remote areas.
On environmental conservation, Khandu said Arunachal Pradesh’s forest cover plays an important role in climate protection. He referred to the Pakke Declaration 2047 as part of the state’s efforts to promote sustainable development.
The Chief Minister also cited investments in education, healthcare, medical institutions, and sports infrastructure, saying these sectors remain important for providing opportunities to young people across the state.
In a recent interaction with Northeast Report, Khandu said his government has adopted a long-term vision focused on infrastructure, education, healthcare, connectivity, tourism, entrepreneurship, and transparent governance.
Reflecting on his decade in office, Khandu said Arunachal Pradesh has moved towards greater political stability and institutional continuity. He said the state would continue to play an important role in India’s future development.