Itanagar, Sep 30: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, along with Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and Advisor to Minister for Planning, Tsering Lhamu, participated in a review meeting chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. 
On this occasion, Sitharaman inaugurated five infrastructure projects under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF). 
The projects include, Pasighat-Ledum-Tene Road; Flood Protection Work at Upper Deobil; General Hospital at Khonsa; Cluster MIPs at Gensi and District Hospital at Changlang.
During his address, Chief Minister Khandu expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support extended by the Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Finance Minister.
Khandu emphasized the unprecedented focus on the Northeast region in the Union Budgets since 2014, stating that prior to this, the Northeast was rarely mentioned.  “Every budget now reflects the importance of the Northeast. A budget without the Northeast in focus is incomplete,” he remarked.
Khandu acknowledged the unique challenges faced by Arunachal Pradesh in terms of infrastructure development but lauded the remarkable progress made under the Central Government’s support also noting that state revenue has grown. 
Highlighting Arunachal Pradesh's vast hydropower potential, the Chief Minister stated, “Arunachal will significantly contribute to the national economy through hydropower.” He appreciated the Central Government’s support in ensuring state equity in hydropower projects. 
Khandu further emphasized the need for upgrading outdated infrastructure across Arunachal Pradesh. He pointed out that many existing structures were of SPT type and called for rapid development and conversion to Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) structures. 
The Chief Minister stressed the need to improve the state’s low Credit-Deposit (CD) ratio and requested continued support from the Union Finance Minister in expanding banking services. He appreciated the establishment of SBI Regional Business Office (RBO) in the state and urged for similar facilities in western Arunachal. He also highlighted the difficulties in availing infrastructure loans due to external interventions. 
In her address, the Union Finance Minister reaffirmed the Central Government's commitment to the development of Arunachal Pradesh and the entire Northeast region, pledging continued financial and administrative support for future projects.  

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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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