Budget Session of Arunachal Pradesh Assembly Gets Underway

The fifth (Budget) Session of the Eighth Legislative Assembly commenced at the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, marking the first sitting of the Special Session for the year, which will last for two days. In his address, Governor Lt. General K.T. Parnaik emphasized themes of inclusive development, democratic governance, and infrastructure advancements. He expressed gratitude for the central government’s support, highlighting projects valued at over Rs 5,100 crore and the launch of the GST Bachat Utsav.

The Governor reported a 2.6 times growth in the State’s GDP over the past decade, alongside a five-fold increase in State resources. Significant initiatives discussed included the expansion of Donyi Polo Airport, improvements to National Highways and rural roads, and the Vibrant Villages Programme. He proclaimed 2025–26 as the “Year of Human Capital,” with substantial investments earmarked for education, health, skill development, and youth employment.

Further, the Governor noted progress in agriculture sectors such as organic farming, floriculture, and kiwi production, emphasizing the impact of women-led Self-Help Groups. Hydropower was identified as a vital growth avenue, with 1.2 GW currently operational and 19 GW in development. Additional topics of importance included tourism promotion, cultural preservation, and governance reforms focusing on digital initiatives and improved public safety. The Governor outlined five strategic commitments: human capital, livelihoods, ecological harmony, green energy, and sustainable tourism, urging Assembly members to implement people-centric policies and collaborative development efforts. In a solemn afternoon session, the Assembly paid tribute to former MLAs and leaders who recently passed away, including notable figures such as Takar Marde and Kapchen Rajkumar. The Assembly expressed its condolences, honoring their legacy and contributions to public service.

By Sonakshi Sarkar