’Create Aruchal specific apparatus for planning and decision making’

Our Correspondent

Itagar, January 13: Aruchal Pradesh Governor Lt. Gen (Retd) Nirbhay Sharma on Monday called on the Prime Minister rendra Modi at New Delhi and discussed various issues pertaining to the state.

The discussion was focused on roads, air, railways and waterways, hydropower, security, Prime Minister’s package, Prime Minister’s Jan Dhan Yoja and bottlenecks in the path of development and progress, a Raj Bhawan communiqué informed.

The governor said that the Aruchal Pradesh is on the path of general development and has achieved number of milestones in socio–economic fields. However, it suffers from lack of infrastructure and is uble to unlock the huge potential in hydropower, tourism, agriculture–horticulture and some other important sectors.

Sharma pointed that the main concern was poor connectivity of road, rail air, waterways, Information Technology, telephone, radio and television. He also pointed that progress of ongoing projects was quite slow with repeated time and cost overruns.

He suggested for a comprehensive plan for the state based on a ‘Vision 2025’ perspective to address the huge infrastructure deficit and strategic urgency.

“It should take into account the vital security, developmental and fincial imperatives, while measures to enhance capacities and adherence to time and cost lines should be vital in the endeavour,” the government emphasised.

Highlighting on the unique topography, large land area with very less population and huge economic potential, the governor also suggested to the PM for creation of an Aruchal specific apparatus for planning, decision–making, coordition and oversight.

In the meeting, the governor emphasized on Trans Brahmaputra connectivity, exploitation of huge availability of waterways, provision for free Direct to Home (DTH) sets to the people and strengthening border area development mechanism.