Editor,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his recent visit to Arunachal Pradesh, addressed a massive public gathering at Indira Gandhi Park in Itanagar, unveiling infrastructure projects worth over Rs 5,100 crore. Among the highlights were the foundation stones laid for the Tato-I and Heo hydroelectric projects in Shi-Yomi district, along with the announcement of an integrated state convention centre in Tawang under the PM-DevINE scheme. In addition, other projects worth around Rs 1,291 crore were announced across different sectors.
At first glance, these announcements appear to be a major boost for the state’s growth story. The projects are expected to generate jobs, improve connectivity, and create opportunities for future generations. Yet, a key question arises: are these developments evenly spread across the state?
Much of the recent development push seems concentrated in the western belt of Arunachal, which is already well known for its tourism and strategic importance. For instance, the Vivanta hotel in Arunachal, run by the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), a Tata Group subsidiary, adds to the region’s tourism profile. Similarly, the newly built high-altitude football stadium has brought national attention after the All India Football Federation (AIFF) selected it as the country’s first high-altitude training centre for India’s national football teams.
While these projects will undeniably boost sports and tourism in the region, other areas, such as Ziro, Daporijo, Aalo, Pasighat, Roing, Anini, Khonsa, Longding, Tezu, Seppa, and many more also hold immense tourism and economic potential. Every part of Arunachal has unique cultural heritage, natural beauty, and opportunities for adventure tourism. How transformative it would be if development was spread more evenly across the state, particularly at a time when the union government is showing special care and interest in the Northeast.
The Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE), launched in 2022, is a fully centrally funded scheme managed by the Ministry of DoNER. It aims to fill gaps in infrastructure, healthcare, education, connectivity, and job creation, while also promoting youths’ and women’s entrepreneurship.
While this is a welcome step, the real concern lies in how projects are chosen and which regions benefit the most. If development remains concentrated in select districts, a large section of the population, particularly those living in remote central and eastern parts of Arunachal, might not fully benefit from these investments. As Arunachal stands at the threshold of rapid transformation, it is important for both policymakers and citizens to ask: Shouldn’t development be more evenly spread out, ensuring that every district from Tawang in the west to Anjaw in the east receives equal opportunity to grow?
For the people of Arunachal, this is not just about big numbers or high-profile projects. It is about whether such initiatives genuinely improve their daily lives, create sustainable livelihoods, and deliver equal opportunities for growth. Only then will development truly reach every corner of the state, allowing the common people to receive the benefits they rightfully deserve.
Jomjar Padu,
Student