Itanagar, Mar 11 : The five-day Budget session of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly commenced on Friday at the Assembly chamber here with the State Governor Brig (Retd) Dr BD Mishra’s customary address to the House. The Governor, in his address, said that the Budget is not just an accounting exercise of receipts and expenditure but the vision of the Government for the welfare of its citizens. Highlighting the Pema Khandu Government’s achievements in the previous year and its various initiatives for the year ahead, the Governor said, his Government is committed to the purpose of public service delivery and ensuring responsive and effective governance. He exuded confidence that all the members of the Assembly would put in their best efforts in making Arunachal “a shining Star in the East”. “Let’s work together in achieving the target set by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji that no citizen should be left behind. Let’s work together for the all-round and inclusive development of the state,” he appealed. He further suggested, “Let this Budget session be guided by six pillars – (i) investing in health sector, (ii) investment in human capital, (iii) AtmaNirbhar Arunachal Pradesh, (iv) synergy and convergence, (v) governance reforms and prudent financial management, and (vi) environmental protection and climate resilient infrastructure.” While stating that tourism would remain our main strength as it would generate income for the people of Arunachal, the Governor said, “We need to focus on responsible tourism so that we do not damage our environment. Comm ty based eco-tourism is the best model for our state.” Further noting that “hydropower is our key strength”, he said, harnessing this rich potential has remained sub-optimal due to various reasons. However, we have re-calibrated our efforts and are now consciously working with Central Public Sector ts (CPSUs) to develop this sector. Many such slow-moving projects are now offered to the CPSUs to develop. “I must congratulate my Government on completion of the work on 600 MW Kameng project. The work on Subansiri Lower Project is going on at full speed and the two ts with 500 MW-capacity are expected to be commissioned this year,” he said. Before concluding his address, the Governor urged upon the members to have pan-Arunachal view and vision, continue to lead by example and ensure equitable, non-discriminatory, sustainable and consistent development across the state. “I am confident that with your support and with the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu ji, we will be able to realise the vision of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji and make Arunachal Pradesh an economic growth engine of North East India and gateway to the South East Asia,” he said. TD RN
