Arunachal Pradesh is cradled by the five mighty rivers, safeguarded by the tall Himalayan mountains, and nurtured by the luscious forests. It is a state known for its vast natural resources, with abundant forests, diverse wildlife, and huge hydroelectric potential. Despite its potential, the state faces various challenges, including a lack of adequate infrastructure, connectivity, and skilled human resources. To address some of these issues and unlock the state's potential, the Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, took some significant decisions during its recent cabinet meetings. In this article, we will discuss some of these decisions and their potential impact on the state's development.

 Enabling the Hydropower potential:

One of the major decisions taken during one of the recent Cabinet meetings held on 29 March 2023, was to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with a Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) for the development of hydropower in the state. This approval would pave the way to unlock the potential of five hydroelectric power (HEP) projects with an installed capacity of 2820 MW. This move would have far-reaching consequences for the state's development as it would open up new avenues for electricity generation, job creation, and economic growth. Hydropower is environmentally friendly and has the least carbon footprint compared to other conventional power plants. With this decision, Arunachal Pradesh, which has a huge untapped potential for hydroelectricity development, could become a major power hub for the country.

Empowering the Talents of the State:

Another decision taken during the Cabinet meeting was to support and renew four events, namely, Arunachal Got Talents, Arunachal Idol, Miss Arunachal, and Mr Arunachal, as annual calendar events with effect from FY 2023-24. These platforms have nurtured a huge pool of talented individuals who have made the state proud at the national and international levels. The Cabinet also approved an increase in the grant-in-aid for these events from Rs. 40 lakhs to Rs. 80 lakhs, to further encourage and support these events. These initiatives would not only showcase the state's talents but also provide a platform for them to excel in their respective fields. The state government's support for such initiatives would encourage more talented individuals to come forward and showcase their skills.

Reorganising the AP Civil Services:

The Cabinet also deliberated on the Kaling Tayeng Committee's recommendations on restructuring the Arunachal Pradesh Civil Services. After detailed deliberations, the Cabinet approved a major part of the Committee's recommendations, paving the way for a robust State Civil Service. The restructuring of the civil services would lead to better governance and administration in the state, with more efficient delivery of services to the people. The Cabinet also recommended recalling the appointment orders of the new Chairman and Members of APPSC (Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission) and sending it to the Governor for approval. These decisions would set a new standard for good governance and improve the state's administrative machinery.

Resolving the Border Conflict with Assam:

The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, had a video conference with Deputy Chief Minister Shri Chowna Mein, Cabinet colleagues, the Chief Secretary, and Deputy Commissioners of districts bordering Assam on 21 April. The main agenda of the meeting was to discuss the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in the presence of the Hon'ble Home Minister Amit Shah on 20 April to resolve the border disputes with Assam. The agreement came after decades of negotiations and tensions between the two states regarding the boundary dispute. Both the Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam described the agreement as historic and a new beginning for peace and cooperation between the two states. The resolution of the border dispute would ensure that the people living in the border regions could live in peace and harmony, without any fear or apprehension.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the latest Cabinet decisions taken would have a significant impact on the state's development and future. The decision to unlock the hydropower potential would open up new avenues for electricity generation, job creation, and economic growth. The Cabinet's support for talent initiatives would encourage more talented individuals to come forward and showcase their skills, putting Arunachal Pradesh on the map for its rich cultural heritage and diverse talent pool.

The restructuring of the civil services would ensure that the state's governance and administrative machinery become more efficient and deliver better services to the people. Finally, the resolution of the border dispute with Assam would pave the way for peace and cooperation between the two states, laying the foundation for a harmonious relationship in the future. These initiatives by the Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet should be seen as a positive step towards the state's development and growth.