PM assures full support to Arunachal

NEW DELHI, June 27: Newly elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured full support to the  Arunachal Government saying that it would be the endeavor of his Government to promote an investment friendly environment for the benefit of the state. This promise came when the Chief Minister Nabam Tuki called on the Prime Minister here at New Delhi.

“I got a Positive reaction from the Prime Minister and look forward to the Centre’s support in coming days. The PM has also consented to visit the state after Diwali this year,” a visibly satisfied Chief Minister said after submitting a detailed Memorandum to the PM highlighting various development issues which need necessary support from the Central Govt.

The Prime Minister also laid stress on the development of horticulture in Arunachal Pradesh with special reference to the potential of harnessing herbal and medicinal plants.

After a one-on-one meeting with the Prime Minister which lasted over thirty minutes, Tuki said that the issues covered in the Memorandum with due support of the Centre would not only ensure holistic development but would also meet the collective aspirations of the people of Arunachal Pradesh.

Tuki while underlining the importance of sustainably harnessing the Hydropower potential of the state mentioned that the total share of state equity requirement of the state is to the tune of Rs. 13000 crore spread over a period of ten years. In this regard, he appealed for a short term equity requirement from the Central Government of Rs. 8875 crore for the period 2015-16 to 2019-20 to cater to eight major projects which are at advanced stages of implementation.

While reiterating the importance of developing the sector in the long term interests of the state, he appealed for Centre’s help for better road connectivity to hydropower project locations, fast tracking of project clearances and comprehensive grid for power evacuation, among others. He also called for early resolution of the impasse leading to the stalling of work related to the 2000 MW lower Subansiri project by seeking the intervention of the Centre to bring all the stakeholders to the discussion table. 

The Chief Minister apprised Modi about the fiscal challenges faced by the state because of the gap in the NPRDG (Non Plan Revenue Deficit Grant) recommended by the 13th Finance Commission and the actual expenditure. He requested Modi to consider a Fiscal Stimulus Package to overcome this gap of Rs.6799 Crores. He also requested a Debt Relief Package of Rs. 3813 Crores and the release of pending TFC Grant of Rs. 775.18 Crores.

The Prime Minister agreed to provide a domestic window for funding of infrastructure projects in lieu of Externally Aided funding from agencies like world bank and Asian developmental bank The Chief Minister had especially mentioned two projects for the purpose namely Integrated Flood and river bank erosion management in 6 river basins for Rs 557.00 Crore and Urban Infrastructure up gradation of Capital Complex under NERUDP (Phase – II) for Rs 1213.53 Crore.

Tuki further briefed the PM on the status of the projects under PM Package. He discussed about the pending projects and called for inclusion of the estimated Rs.346.15 Crore in this years’ budget for construction of the Greenfield Airport at Holongi. He also discussed the Trans Arunachal Highways, Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs), Connectivity to 513 habitations to border areas, among others.

With the broader objective of increasing the outreach of basic and essential services to the remotest corners of the state, Tuki stressed on the Development of Border Areas and appealed for expediting the three projects of connecting unconnected Administrative Centers, Providing every facility in these areas. These project proposals have already been submitted by the State Government. He also sought a Special Maintenance Grant for Border Roads which are vulnerable to damages throughout the year due to difficult geographic and climatic conditions. He also sought the Centre’s help for a Mission Mode project on increasing tele-density especially to facilitate connectivity in the border areas of the state and for revising the guidelines of Flagship Schemes such as PMGSY and others based on unique local conditions. 

In accordance with the Prime Minister’s vision for realizing the urbanization potential of the country through creation of 100 smart cities, the Chief Minister requested for the setting up of three smart cities in the state in the prospective locations of Holongi, Pasighat and Miao/Jairampur.

While emphasizing the need to establish premier institutions of learning in the State, the CM requested for the setting up of an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) at Yachuli, Indian Institute of Management (IIM) at Ziro and an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMs) at Balijan. The Chief Minister called for inclusion of Arunachal Pradesh as one of the 50 tourism circuits in the country as proposed in the President’s speech to the Joint Session of Parliament recently. Tuki also demanded Carbon Bonus as estimated by International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)  according to which the Arunachal Pradesh forests absorb about 1470 Million Tonnes of carbon dioxide which when monetized amounts to Rs 88200 Crore.

Tuki further stressed on strengthening Indo Bhutan trade by taking up the Lumla (in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh) to Tashigang (in Bhutan) road for strengthening the border trades between the two countries. Apart from giving an alternate road for the people of Tawang to reach Guwahati and other parts of the country, this road will facilitate tourism and other economic activities between the two countries, he mentioned. He informed the PM that the Indian portion of road up-to the borders of Bhutan has already been completed and is motorable while a stretch of about 12 Kms on the Bhutan side is to be constructed. He also called for opening up of Pangsau Pass to expand Indo Myanmar trade and bilateral relations.

The Chief Minister outlined the myriad issues of priority areas of his Government like Skill Development, Sports Development, Strengthening institutional capacity in education sector, Agri Mechanization and Farmer Benefits, Expansion of Social Security, Impetus on trade and commerce with special reference to, Tea, Rubber and Palm Oil Cultivation, Expansion of Healthcare and Health Security, Introduction of SEZs for Pharma and IT Assembly sector, special thrust on Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Sector, Rural Industrialization, opening of Coal Mining in the state among others.

Source: 'Themetrolive'