Arunachal Cabinet Approves Landmark Policies and Development Initiatives

OUR CORRESPONDENT

Itanagar: The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, has approved several key bills and policies aimed at strengthening governance, streamlining welfare schemes, and accelerating the state’s socio-economic development.

The meeting, held at Nyapin in Kurung Kumey district on Monday, discussed and authorised 38 agenda items, the highest ever in the state’s history for a single sitting.

One of the most significant decisions was the approval of the Arunachal Pradesh Arun Parivar Patra Authority Bill, 2025, which aims to create a family-centric citizen database to ensure efficient delivery of government schemes and services.

The bill, once passed, will help streamline welfare benefits and eliminate discrepancies in public service distribution, a statement from the chief minister’s office said.

In a step toward evidence-based policymaking, the cabinet also approved the establishment of the Institute for Transforming Arunachal (ITA), which will serve as the state’s think tank, providing research-backed policy recommendations.

The ITA, to be housed under the Finance, Planning & Investment Department, is modeled after NITI Aayog and will play a crucial role in shaping State Vision@2047 while aligning with India Vision@2047. It is expected to drive governance transformation, economic growth, and innovation in the state.

The cabinet also cleared amendments to the Arunachal Pradesh Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act to incorporate necessary legislative changes. Additionally, to regulate and curb unauthorized encroachment of government lands, it approved the Arunachal Pradesh Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 2003, while designating officers of deputy commissioner rank and above as appellate authorities for appeals against eviction orders.

Another significant move was the introduction of the Arunachal Pradesh Handloom and Handicrafts Policy 2024, aimed at revitalizing the handloom and handicraft sector by establishing a digital database of artisans and weavers.

The policy also enhances cash awards for exceptional craftsmanship, increasing the first prize from ?75,000 to ?1,00,000 and the second prize from ?65,000 to ?75,000.

In a bid to strengthen child welfare and protection, the government sanctioned 270 contractual posts for immediate operationalization of Child Helpline Services at the state and district levels under the Mission Vatsalya Scheme, the statement said.

The cabinet also took steps to improve public safety by approving the establishment of five new fire stations at Raga (Kamle district), Yupia (Papum Pare), Boleng (Siang), Lemmi (Pakke Kessang), and Tato in Shi Yomi district, along with the creation of 90 new posts for fire service personnel.

To enhance legal proceedings and ensure efficient prosecution of cases, the government approved the creation of the Directorate of Prosecution, which will function under the home department and be headed by a Director of Prosecution.

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