Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) [India], September 22 (ANI): In his visit to the border states, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday laid the foundation stone and inaugurated various development works worth over Rs 5,100 crore in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh.
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of two major hydropower projects worth over Rs 3,700 crore in Itanagar. The Heo Hydro Electric Project (240 MW) and Tato-I Hydro Electric Project (186 MW) will be developed in the Siyom sub-basin of Arunachal Pradesh.
PM Modi also laid the foundation stone of a state-of-the-art Convention Center at Tawang. Located at over 9,820 feet in the frontier district of Tawang, the centre will serve as a landmark facility to host national and international conferences, cultural festivals, and exhibitions.
The Prime Minister also launched multiple key infrastructure projects worth over Rs 1,290 crore, catering to various sectors, including connectivity, health, fire safety, and working women’s hostels, among others. These initiatives are expected to catalyse economic activity, improve the quality of life, and enhance connectivity in the region.
In Tripura, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the development work of the ‘Mata Tripura Sundari Temple’ complex at Matabari under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme.
Prime Minister Modi also reviewed the works at the Mata Tripura Sundari Temple Complex.
The Prime Minister also performed prayers at the Mata Tripura Sundari Temple for the well-being and prosperity of countrymen.
Prime Minister Modi also held a roadshow in the Gomati district, where he received a rousing welcome from the people of the state.
Addressing the gathering in Itanagar on the occasion, PM Modi extended reverence to the Almighty Donyi Polo, praying for blessings upon all.
Prime Minister remarked that the journey from the helipad to the ground, meeting countless people along the way, and witnessing children and youth holding the national flag filled him with pride due to Arunachal Pradesh’s warm hospitality. He highlighted that Arunachal is not only the land of the rising sun but also a land of fervent patriotism.
Highlighting that his visit to Arunachal Pradesh was special for three distinct reasons, the Prime Minister said that first, on the auspicious first day of Navratri, he had the privilege of witnessing the beautiful mountain ranges. He remarked that on this day, devotees worship Maa Shailputri, the daughter of the Himalayas. Second, he announced the implementation of next-generation GST reforms across the country and the launch of the GST Savings Festival.
PM Modi noted that during the festive season, citizens have received a double bonanza. Third, he emphasised the inauguration of numerous development projects in Arunachal Pradesh, ranging across sectors including power, connectivity, tourism, and health.
The Prime Minister stated that this reflects the double benefit of their governments at the Union and the state and extended heartfelt congratulations to the people of Arunachal for these projects. He affirmed that the GST Savings Festival will bring joy, prosperity and success to the people of India.
Mentioning that while Arunachal Pradesh is the first to receive the rays of the sun, it was unfortunate that the rays of rapid development took several decades to reach the region. Prime Minister Modi recalled visiting Arunachal multiple times before 2014 and being among its people, noting that the state is abundantly blessed by nature, with its land, hardworking citizens, and immense potential.
The Prime Minister highlighted that despite these strengths, those who governed from Delhi in earlier times consistently neglected Arunachal. He criticised Congress for its mindset that Arunachal, with its small population and only two Lok Sabha seats, did not warrant attention. He stated that this approach caused significant harm to Arunachal and the entire Northeast, which was left far behind in the journey of development.
Prime Minister Modi stated that after being given the opportunity to serve the nation in 2014, he resolved to free the country from the previous dispensation’s mindset. He emphasised that the guiding inspiration of his government is not the number of votes or seats in any state, but the principle of “Nation First.” He reiterated the government’s core mantra– ‘Nagarik Devobhava’.
Emphasising that the eight states of the Northeast are revered as Ashtalakshmi, the Prime Minister said that they cannot be left behind in the journey of development. He stressed that the Central Government is allocating substantial funds for the region’s progress.
Citing an example, he explained that a portion of the taxes collected by the Centre is distributed to the states. During the previous regime, Arunachal Pradesh received only Rs 6,000 crore from central taxes over ten years. In contrast, Prime Minister Modi emphasised that under our government, Arunachal has received over Rs 1 lakh crore in the same period–16 times more. He clarified that this figure pertains only to the tax share and does not include additional expenditures under various schemes and major infrastructure projects being implemented in the state. The Prime Minister remarked that this is why Arunachal is witnessing such extensive and rapid development today.
Emphasising that when intentions are noble and efforts are honest, results are visible, Prime Minister Modi stated that the Northeast is emerging as a driving force in the nation’s development, with a strong focus on good governance. He affirmed that for his government, nothing is more important than the welfare of citizens.
He underscored that to make life easier, the government is working on Ease of Living; to reduce travel difficulties, Ease of Travel; to improve healthcare access, Ease of Medical Treatment; to support education, Ease of Education; and to facilitate business, Ease of Doing Business is being worked upon.
The Prime Minister highlighted that their governments at the Union and State are actively pursuing these goals.” Areas where roads were once unimaginable are now witnessing the construction of quality highways. Infrastructure like the Sela Tunnel, which was once considered impossible, has now become a symbol of Arunachal’s progress,” the PM stated.
The Prime Minister stated that the nation is collectively working towards the goal of becoming a developed country by 2047, and this vision can only be realised when every state progresses in alignment with national objectives. He expressed satisfaction that the Northeast is playing a significant role in achieving these goals. Citing the power sector as a prime example, the PM said that India has set a target of generating 500 GW of electricity from non-conventional sources by 2030, including solar, wind, and hydro power.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted that Arunachal Pradesh is actively contributing to this mission. He announced the foundation stone laying of two new power projects that will strengthen Arunachal’s position as a power producer, generate employment for thousands of youth, and provide affordable electricity for developmental activities.
The Prime Minister criticised the opposition party for its longstanding tendency to avoid difficult development tasks, which adversely impacted Arunachal and the entire Northeast. He noted that challenging terrains–mountainous regions, forested areas–were often declared backward and neglected by the opposition party.
Prime Minister Modi further added that tribal regions and districts in the Northeast suffered the most, and villages near the border were dismissed as “last villages,” allowing the previous dispensations to evade responsibility and conceal their failures. This neglect led to continuous migration from tribal and border areas.
Stating that their government has transformed the earlier approach towards regional development, Prime Minister Modi said districts previously labelled as “backward” by previous dispensations have been redefined as “aspirational districts” and prioritised for growth. Border villages once dismissed as “last villages” have now been recognised as the nation’s “first villages,” he said.
The Prime Minister highlighted the positive outcomes of this shift, noting the accelerated pace of development in border areas. “The success of the Vibrant Villages Programme has significantly improved the quality of life. In Arunachal Pradesh alone, over 450 such border villages have witnessed rapid progress, with essential infrastructure like roads, electricity, and internet now reaching these regions,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister remarked that while migration from border areas to cities was once common, these villages are now emerging as new hubs of tourism.
The Prime Minister emphasised that empowering mothers, sisters, and daughters is a major priority for his government. He reiterated his mission to create three crore “Lakhpati Didis” across the country and expressed satisfaction that Chief Minister Pema Khandu and his team are actively advancing this mission. He also mentioned the commencement of numerous working women’s hostels in the state, which will greatly benefit young women.
Acknowledging the large presence of women at the event and extended congratulations once again for the GST Savings Festival, Prime Minister Modi emphasised that the benefits of the next-generation GST reforms will significantly impact them. He stated that households will now experience substantial relief in their monthly budgets. “Essential items such as kitchen supplies, educational materials for children, and footwear and clothing have become more affordable,” the PM said.
Urging citizens to recall the pre-2014 period, the Prime Minister highlighted the numerous challenges faced at the time, noting that inflation was soaring, major scams were rampant, and the then-government continued to increase the tax burden on the public. He pointed out that even an annual income of Rs 2 lakh was subject to income tax, and many essential items were taxed at rates exceeding 30 per cent under the pre-2014 regime.
Recalling his commitment to enhancing both the income and savings of citizens, Prime Minister Modi noted that despite facing major challenges over the years, his government consistently reduced income tax rates. This year, annual income up to Rs 12 lakh has been made completely tax-free. He announced that GST has now been simplified to just two slabs–5 per cent and 18 per cent.
Prime Minister Modi emphasised that many items have become tax-free, and taxes on other goods have been significantly reduced. He highlighted that building a home, purchasing a scooter or bike, dining out, and travelling have all become more affordable. He affirmed that the GST Savings Festival will be a memorable milestone for the people.
Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt Gen K T Parnaik (Retd), Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju were present among other dignitaries at the event. (ANI)
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