NEW DELHI, Jun 16: Chief Minister of the state Pema Khandu on Saturday attended the 5th Governing Council Meeting of Niti Aayog chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi here at the national capital.
While participating in the discussion, Khandu spoke on the need to augment and fast track communication linkages like rail, road and air including information technology to bring transformational changes in the development process of Arunachal Pradesh. He briefed Niti Aayog on the present status of the on-going road, rail and air projects in the state besides making special mention of the plans for rain water harvesting and water management. While speaking on aspirational district programme, CM highlighted the achievements and challenges faced by the state. Security matters were also discussed with stress on the need for central government support for modernising state police.
While underscoring the need for harnessing the key potential sectors of the state such as agriculture & allied sectors, tourism and hydro power, CM emphasised that agriculture needs a structural reform and sought continued support from the centre in this regard. Reiterating that Narendra Modi led central government has reinvigorated the policy orientation towards Northeast which has resulted in palpable change in the state, Khandu hoped that the state would be getting a continued support particularly in the field of communications network.
Stressing for permanent bureaucracy in Arunachal, CM requested Niti Aayog for creation of separate IAS cadre for Arunachal.

Justifying his stand, CM said that pace of development is getting hampered by remaining in the current UT cadre. Owing to vastness and diversities, officers posted need at least two to three years to understand the pulse and needs of the state and by the time they reach that stage they are being transferred, thus slowing development, Khandu reasoned. Chief Minister further urged the central government to consider relaxation in guidelines of national flagship programmes in respect of Arunachal Pradesh since tough and inaccessible terrain makes it difficult for agencies to implement the programmes as per guidelines, Khandu said.

While stating that the state has been debarred and ignored of foreign fundings, CM requested Niti Aayog to device a mechanism to overcome this hurdle and compensate the state accordingly.The meeting was attended by all the Union Ministers, Chief Ministers of the states, Lt. Governors and Niti Aayog members.
Khandu later called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed on a wide ranging topics pertaining to the state. He also called on the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at his residence and congratulated him on assuming office as the country’s defence minister and discussed on matters related to land acquisition for defence purposes in the state. CMO Press Release

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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.
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