Arunachal News

Arunachal minister raises funding challenges with Union Finance Minister

Arunachal Pradesh Minister Balo Raja discussed with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman the state's financial deprivation caused by China's interference with international funding.

Sentinel Digital Desk

OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Urban Affairs, Civil Aviation, and Land Management Minister Balo Raja on Friday apprised Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman about the state’s deprivation of financial assistance from international institutions due to interference from China. Raja, accompanied by Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) Mayor Tame Phassang, met the minister in the national capital.

He informed her that, except for Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, all other states and union territories are availing loans from the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank for infrastructure development, an official statement said.

“Due to protests from China, Arunachal Pradesh is being deprived of financial assistance from international institutions and is therefore fully dependent on central assistance, as it is a resource-crunched state,” Raja stated. China, which claims Arunachal Pradesh as its territory, has consistently opposed any international funding for the state.

While expressing gratitude to the central government for its continued support, Raja briefed Sitharaman on various developmental projects undertaken through urban local bodies, highlighting their financial requirements for timely and successful completion. He also drew her attention to pending grants meant for urban local bodies and requested her intervention for their consideration.

Sitharaman assured the minister of the central government’s continued and comprehensive support for the state’s overall development, including assistance for urban towns and cities, the statement added.

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