Ranju Dodum
Itanagar, Feb 1: The Union Budget has earmarked significant allocations for Arunachal Pradesh, with a focus on infrastructure development, power sector improvements, and rural and tribal welfare initiatives.
The budget, presented by Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament, includes major investments in road connectivity, energy transmission, and socio-economic programs under central schemes.
A key highlight for Arunachal Pradesh is the Frontier Highway Project, which is part of the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for North Eastern Areas (SARDP-NE).
The project aims to enhance connectivity along international borders and improve access to remote areas.
Additionally, funds have been allocated for the maintenance of National Highways in the state, ensuring the upkeep of critical transport infrastructure.
The state is also set to benefit from a transmission system strengthening programme, designed to enhance electricity distribution and ensure a stable power supply to border areas.
Arunachal Pradesh has also been included in the Reform-Linked Distribution Scheme, which provides financial support to improve energy efficiency and power infrastructure.
Apart from the state-specific programs, the budget also includes provisions under the PM-JANMAN (Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan), with an allocation of Rs 150 crore aimed at the development of vulnerable tribal populations.
Another Rs ten crore has been sanctioned under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, which focuses on holistic tribal community development.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), the state should continue receiving funds for rural road connectivity, with a 90:10 cost-sharing ratio between the central and state governments.
It was also announced that the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) will support tourism, power, and social infrastructure projects in the region.
Under it, the North East Enterprise Development Scheme (NEEDS) is set to promote agro-based industries, handicrafts, and micro-enterprises.
Additionally, the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for the North-East Region (PM-DevINE) will fund projects aimed at economic empowerment, particularly focusing on youth and women.
As part of the government’s push for healthcare improvements, Day Care Cancer Centres will be set up in district hospitals across the country. Arunachal Pradesh should benefit from the expansion of medical education, with plans to add 10,000 undergraduate and postgraduate medical seats nationwide.