Last Wednesday, Arunachal Pradesh participated in two meetings at Delhi which, in terms of its developmental longings carried much significance. The first one was Pre-Budget consultation meeting for Union Budget 2020-21 and the other was 38th GST Council Meeting, both chaired by Union Finance Minister. From the dossier of requirements placed before the Central government for perusal, it’s apparent that majority of them revolves around that singular clamour- infrastructure development. This is a genuine demand and since there is still a noticeable gap between projected developmental goals and their actual coming-offs, it’s time that a special focus be given to Arunachal.
These demands must not be viewed as those exclusively concerning the state alone since a huge amount of national interest is also associated along with. It’s a fact that being topographically landlocked along with a huge geographical area, alienation is a constant companion for Arunachal. Building newer infrastructures as well as upkeep of existing ones in face of a hostile nature are both arduous and time consuming. From a bird’s eye view of the state, the picture will appear same. But when it comes to border areas, acuteness of shortcomings can hardly be concealed. It has been five years since Act East Policy was officially rolled out, in which the state was supposed to receive some special emphasis. In India’s foreign policy matters, China is counted as a potential threat and it is also not unknown how fast and aggressively things are being built there just beyond Arunachal borders. To restore meaningful parity with these Chinese game plans, there are no options but to take up developmental duties in state’s border districts with greater urgency.
Share of central taxes means a lot for Arunachal since the avenues of revenue generation here, unlike the mainland, have historically been limited. This is an area which needs a fresh relook, just as it is the case when it comes to banking penetration. To tap the bountiful natural resources through ways of meaningful local entrepreneurial efforts and for effecting economic inclusion, banks, whether PSB or private must be persuaded to make footfalls in Arunachal. Another vital need that had been reiterated in GST meet is the need for improving internet outreach. It’s an area which continues suffering from congenital weakness and lamentably, nothing perceptibly positive has happened so far. But interestingly, when GST is a debate-arousing issue in most parts of the country, in Arunachal it’s proving to be a boon given the noticeable upswing in revenue collection. This can be increased manifold if quality and spread of internet services are made at par with national level.
Coming union budget or beyond, Arunachal must receive extra patronage. It’s vital for the state and nation alike. 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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