SHILLONG : Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) has sought continued support from the North Eastern Council (NEC) to address the state’s critical developmental needs, while highlighting Arunachal Pradesh’s steady progress across key sectors.
Participating in the 73rd Plenary Session of the NEC in Shillong on Thursday, the Governor tabled his address outlining the state’s developmental journey and the transformative impact of initiatives supported by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the NEC.
Emphasising the importance of sustained cooperation, Parnaik said the NEC must continue to evolve as a dynamic institution promoting regional planning, policy innovation, knowledge-sharing and coordinated implementation of development programmes. He noted that continued support would be crucial in addressing challenges related to connectivity, border infrastructure, security and economic development.
Expressing gratitude to the Government of India, particularly the MHA, DoNER Ministry and NEC, the Governor said the council has emerged as an important platform for addressing the aspirations and developmental priorities of the Northeastern region through collaborative dialogue and collective action.
Highlighting Arunachal Pradesh’s achievements, Parnaik said the state has registered significant progress in governance, infrastructure, connectivity, education, healthcare, agriculture, rural livelihoods, hydropower, entrepreneurship, skill development, sports, and preservation of art, culture and heritage.
The Governor also appreciated the Centre’s decision to launch the ₹167-crore Mission Arunachal Kiwi, describing it as a landmark initiative for strengthening the state’s horticulture sector. Noting that Arunachal Pradesh accounts for more than half of India’s kiwi production and was the first state to receive organic certification for kiwi cultivation, he said the mission would boost value addition, improve market access and create new livelihood opportunities.
Parnaik further highlighted the impact of the Vibrant Villages Programme, stating that the initiative has accelerated development in border areas through improved infrastructure, connectivity and livelihood generation. He said the programme has encouraged entrepreneurship and helped create economic opportunities through homestays, eco-tourism ventures, handicrafts and other community-based enterprises.
Reflecting on the state’s growth trajectory, the Governor said Arunachal Pradesh is today more connected, economically vibrant and institutionally stronger than ever before, with improvements in road networks, digital connectivity, healthcare, education and overall quality of life.
Expressing confidence in the future of the region, Parnaik said that with sustained support from the Government of India, proactive leadership of the NEC and the collective commitment of all Northeastern states, the vision of a prosperous, connected, secure and sustainable North East is steadily becoming a reality.
He reaffirmed Arunachal Pradesh’s commitment to the goals of ‘Viksit Arunachal’ and ‘Viksit Bharat’, aligning the state’s development agenda with India’s vision of inclusive and sustainable growth by 2047.
