Itanagar: The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, has approved significant measures aimed at bolstering financial viability and strengthening infrastructure in the state.
In its first meeting of the year, the Cabinet granted State GST (SGST) reimbursement concessions for two major hydropower projects—the 700 MW Tato II Hydroelectric Project on the Siyom River in Shi Yomi district and the 1,720 MW Kamala Hydroelectric Project on the Kamala River in Kamle district.
These projects, to be executed through joint ventures between the state government and central public sector undertakings (CPSUs), involve a cumulative investment of approximately ₹35,000 crore. The state government will hold a 26% equity share in these ventures. Once operational, the projects are expected to generate ₹470 crore annually in free power and ₹79 crore in local area development funds, providing a significant boost to the state’s economy.
The two projects are among 13 previously stalled large-scale hydropower initiatives revived in 2023 through agreements with CPSUs. To further support such developments, the Cabinet approved a policy for restoring terminated hydropower projects that had achieved substantial progress. This move aims to create a development-focused environment, attract investment, and generate employment opportunities.
In healthcare and education, the Cabinet proposed the establishment of a 100-seat medical college and a 420-bed hospital in Namsai under the Aspirational District Programme. The ₹375-crore project, to be developed in public-private partnership (PPP) mode, is intended to address healthcare and medical education gaps in the region.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved key administrative reforms, including the upgradation of 20 junior engineer (civil) posts to assistant surveyor of works (ASW) and assistant engineer (civil) roles in the hydropower development department. It also sanctioned the creation of 36 new posts in the land management department, comprising positions across Group A, B, and C categories.
The meeting also greenlit 32 teaching and non-teaching posts for the Government Engineering College in Tezu, Lohit district. These initiatives collectively reflect the state government’s commitment to accelerating development, improving governance, and enhancing citizen service delivery across Arunachal Pradesh.
Read More: Sikkim Prepares for Upcoming Visit of 16th Finance Commission Team