Itanagar, Jun 17: Arunachal Pradesh and Assam agreed to strengthen cooperation in excise administration, enforcement and revenue generation during a ministerial-level meeting held at the Civil Secretariat here on Wednesday.
The meeting was chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who also holds the Finance, Tax, Excise and Narcotics portfolio, and attended by Assam Minister for Panchayati Raj & Rural Development, Excise, Border Protection & Development Atul Bora, along with senior officials of the Finance and Excise Departments of both states.
Welcoming the Assam delegation, Mein highlighted the long-standing ties between the two neighbouring states and underscored the importance of close coordination between the two neighbouring states in addressing governance challenges and ensuring effective implementation of laws and policies.
The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in the areas of excise administration, prevention of illicit trade, revenue mobilisation, enforcement mechanisms and capacity building. Both sides also explored strategies for developing mutually beneficial excise policies and enhancing State Own Revenue through enhanced cooperation and coordinated initiatives.
Mein stated that the challenges confronting excise management require coordinated efforts, technological innovation and sustained inter-state engagement. He expressed confidence that regular dialogue and joint initiatives would further strengthen governance systems while safeguarding public interest.
The meeting also featured presentations by officials from both states, highlighting ongoing initiatives, operational challenges and potential areas for future collaboration. Discussions were held on developing a roadmap for continued engagement through periodic review meetings and coordinated action on issues of common concern.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening inter-state cooperation and fostering a collaborative approach to address shared challenges. The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to deepen institutional partnerships and work together towards efficient and transparent management of excise matters.