ITANAGAR, Sep 19: NITI Aayog Member Dr Joram Aniya called on Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (retd) KT Parnaik at Lok Bhavan here on Friday and held detailed discussions on strategic planning, policy support, infrastructure development and pathways for sustainable and inclusive growth in the State.
During the meeting, the Governor emphasised the need for development strategies that take into account Arunachal Pradesh’s unique geography, rich ecological resources, diverse tribal heritage and strategic importance as a frontier State.
The Governor said Arunachal Pradesh, with its vast natural resources and distinct socio-cultural landscape, requires innovative and region-specific development solutions. He said NITI Aayog could play a transformative role by providing a long-term vision, data-driven policy guidance and evidence-based planning tailored to the State’s specific requirements.
Parnaik said such policy support would help strengthen Arunachal Pradesh’s development trajectory and contribute to the broader vision of Viksit Arunachal and Viksit Bharat@2047.
The Governor apprised Dr Aniya of various initiatives being undertaken by the State and Lok Bhavan in the fields of education, healthcare, tourism and technology. He highlighted efforts aimed at bringing greater national attention to the State’s potential and achievements and solicited the support of NITI Aayog in taking these initiatives forward.
Discussing infrastructure and connectivity, the Governor stressed that improved physical and digital connectivity would be critical to unlocking Arunachal Pradesh’s economic and social potential. He urged NITI Aayog to facilitate greater inter-ministerial coordination and support resource mobilisation for key infrastructure projects in the State.
He pointed out that investments in roads, digital networks, power, healthcare, education and border-area development would have a multiplier effect on the State’s growth. Improved connectivity, he said, would enhance access to essential services while creating greater opportunities in tourism, trade, entrepreneurship and employment, besides contributing to the development of strategically important frontier areas.
The Governor also highlighted sectors where Arunachal Pradesh has significant natural and economic advantages, including hydropower, horticulture, organic farming, tourism, bamboo, medicinal plants and the emerging green economy.
He stressed the importance of encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, strengthening skill development and creating greater opportunities for women and youth. Development interventions, he said, should be designed to ensure that the benefits of economic growth reach communities across the State, including those in remote and border areas.
At the same time, Parnaik emphasised that development in Arunachal Pradesh must remain aligned with the State’s environmental sensitivities and cultural identity. He stressed the need to preserve the State’s pristine environment, indigenous traditions and rich tribal heritage while pursuing economic growth and modernisation.
The meeting provided an opportunity to deliberate on strengthening cooperation between the State and NITI Aayog and on identifying policy and institutional support required to address Arunachal Pradesh’s distinctive development challenges and opportunities.