Govt to introduce third-party monitoring system: CM
Staff REPORTER
Itanagar, Mar 12: The Arunachal Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday passed the state’s annual budget for the financial year 2025-26 by voice vote following a marathon discussion.
The budget was presented by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister in-charge of Finance Chowna Mein in the Assembly on March 10, outlining a total expenditure of Rs 39,842 crore emphasizing social and economic empowerment.
Responding to members’ observations, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, during the budget discussion, said that this year’s budget is “very unique, practical” which seeks to meet the aspirations of every section of society.
“This Budget touches every person in the State with a specific focus on our major priority groups of Garib, Yuva, Annadata, and Nari. We have aimed to enable every section of society to meet their aspirations and contribute towards the cherished goal of nation-building,” he said.
Khandu told the Assembly that his government will soon introduce a third-party monitoring system to ensure quality check. Besides, the government will set up a dedicated monitoring cell at the Chief Minister’s Office to monitor the implementation of budget announcements, in coordination with departments, which will take monthly review meetings with secretary-level officers.
Additionally, the government will put into use the “bottom to top” planning process from the next financial year, for which an initial allocation of Rs 1,000 has been made, he disclosed.
Under the new planning framework, districts would serve as the primary units for decision-making. Schemes and programmes would be formulated after consultations with deputy commissioners, elected representatives, and panchayat leaders of the districts, ensuring a need-based approach rather than the earlier practice of selecting schemes from the capital, Khandu said.
Participating in the discussion, Mein reiterated the government's commitment to uplifting the poor, youth, women, and farmers, calling them the backbone of the state's progress.
Highlighting the importance of providing resources and opportunities to them, he assured that the government would implement all the schemes and projects outlined in the budget for holistic development.
"The government has framed a clear roadmap for development and is working towards achieving its goals. There is no shortage of funds, but timely execution of schemes through efficient coordination between departments and implementing agencies is crucial," Mein stressed.
He pointed out that the government's efforts to develop border areas through various schemes have led to reverse migration, with people returning to their native villages.
"In the last eight years, the Pema Khandu government has set a new benchmark, steering the state toward a strong development trajectory," he said, adding that all potential sectors would be harnessed in the coming years to generate employment and boost state revenue.
The Deputy Chief Minister appreciated the support from members across party lines and acknowledged the constructive suggestions put forth during the discussion.
"We will bring remarkable transformation in the power sector once major projects are commissioned, and we will ensure adequate manpower in all District Hospitals to strengthen healthcare services," he stated.
Mein highlighted that the 2025-26 budget is built on four key pillars - investing in people, infrastructure, economy, and innovation. Aligning with the Union Budget, the vision for a 'Viksit Arunachal' the budget includes achieving zero poverty, universal quality education, accessible and affordable healthcare, full employment through skilled labour, economic inclusion of over 70 per cent of women, and transforming the state's farmers into key contributors to making Arunachal the fruit bowl of India.
The Deputy Chief Minister further stressed that the government remains committed to increasing capital expenditure to create socially and economically productive assets that will drive inclusive development.
Members across party lines lauded the budget during the discussion, following which it was passed by voice vote before Speaker Tesam Pongte adjourned the House sine-die. (With PTI inputs)