Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan on Wednesday, September 9, described Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India’s unity and said the Northeast is emerging as a key driver of the country’s growth. Addressing a special session of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly in Itanagar, he highlighted the region’s strategic importance, natural resources and development potential.
Radhakrishnan credited the Centre’s Act East policy with giving greater importance to the Northeast. He also highlighted increased investment through the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER). The Vice-President said Arunachal Pradesh’s progress is closely connected with India’s overall development.
Read More: Assam Meghalaya Seek Push for EAP Projects
Key Facts
- Date: September 9
- Location: Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh
- Speaker: Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan
- Main focus: Arunachal Pradesh and Northeast India’s development
- DoNER allocation: More than ₹6,800 crore in this year’s Union Budget
- Forest cover: Around 79% of Arunachal Pradesh
- Road construction: Around 1,800 km annually
- Agriculture: Arunachal Pradesh is the country’s largest kiwi fruit producer
Arunachal Pradesh Called Guardian of India’s Borders
Speaking at the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Radhakrishnan said the state stands as a “proud guardian” of India’s borders.
He said Arunachal Pradesh’s development is closely linked to the progress of the nation. He also described the state as culturally rich and said it has “boundless potential” because of its natural resources and biodiversity.
The Vice-President highlighted the state’s forests, rivers and ecological resources. He said these natural assets are important for India’s environmental security and climate resilience.
Centre Increasing Focus on Northeast
Radhakrishnan recalled the growing focus of successive central governments on Northeast India.
He noted that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee established the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, or DoNER, to support the region’s development.
He also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Act East policy and the description of the eight northeastern states as “Ashta-lakshmi”. According to Radhakrishnan, these initiatives reflect the region’s growing importance and potential.
₹6,800 Crore Allocated to DoNER
The Vice-President said more than ₹6,800 crore has been allocated to the DoNER Ministry in this year’s Union Budget.
He said the allocation reflects the Centre’s continued focus on strengthening development across Northeast India.
The increased attention to infrastructure and economic development is expected to support the region’s connectivity, agriculture and other sectors.
Arunachal Pradesh Records Development Progress
Radhakrishnan also highlighted several indicators of Arunachal Pradesh’s development.
He said the state has around 79% forest cover and possesses significant biodiversity and ecological resources. These resources provide opportunities for sustainable development while supporting environmental protection.
The Vice-President also said Arunachal Pradesh has emerged as India’s largest producer of kiwi fruit.
More than one lakh soil health cards have also been issued to farmers, supporting better awareness of soil conditions and agricultural practices.
Roads and Income Show Growth
Radhakrishnan said Arunachal Pradesh’s per capita income has more than doubled.
He also highlighted the expansion of road construction in the state. According to him, the pace of road construction has reached around 1,800 km a year.
Improved roads are particularly important for Arunachal Pradesh because of its difficult terrain and strategic location along India’s international borders.
Importance of Arunachal Pradesh and Northeast India
Arunachal Pradesh is strategically important to India because of its location along the international border. Its forests, rivers and biodiversity also make it one of the country’s most important ecological regions.
As the Centre continues to focus on the Northeast, improved infrastructure, agriculture and connectivity could strengthen the region’s role in India’s economic growth.
Questions and Answers
What did Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan say about Arunachal Pradesh?
He described Arunachal Pradesh as integral to India’s unity and a proud guardian of the country’s borders.
What is the Centre’s Act East policy?
It is a policy aimed at strengthening India’s engagement and connectivity with Southeast and East Asia, with the Northeast playing an important role.
How much has been allocated to DoNER?
More than ₹6,800 crore has been allocated to the DoNER Ministry in this year’s Union Budget.
What is Arunachal Pradesh’s forest cover?
The state has around 79% forest cover.
How much road construction is taking place annually?
The Vice-President said road construction has reached around 1,800 km a year.
Why is Arunachal Pradesh important for India?
Its strategic border location, biodiversity, natural resources and growing infrastructure make it important for India’s security and development.
Also Read: Tripura Village Committee Elections Schedule Announced for September 28 – Borok Times