Nafra: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Sunday disclosed that Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed impressive economic growth over the past seven years, spanning from 2016-17 to 2023-24.
Mein said the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Arunachal experienced a remarkable surge, climbing from Rs 22,100.00 crore to Rs 48,028.00 crore, representing a substantial increase of Rs 25,928.00 crore, marking a noteworthy 117% increment.
The deputy chief minister made these disclosures as he graced the Chindang festival here in West Kameng district.
The festival is celebrated by the Sajolang (Miji) community of Arunachal. During the celebrations, prayers and rituals are dedicated to the mountains, rivers, sun and moon, seeking their blessings for humanity’s well-being and bountiful harvests.
Mein, on the occasion, also highlighted the noteworthy rise in the State’s Own Resource (SOR), which grew from Rs 1,253.61 crore to Rs 3,412.81 crore during the same period, signifying a significant increase of Rs 2,159.20 crore or 172% growth.
“The state’s Annual Budget also saw a substantial growth, from Rs 11,535.65 crore to Rs 29,512.82 crore, reflecting an impressive 156% increase. These enhanced financial resources have allowed Arunachal to allocate more funds for various developmental initiatives,” he said.
Earlier, in his address, Mein commended the Sajolang community for their outstanding efforts in preserving traditional folk songs, local cuisines, and indigenous cultures.
He emphasized the importance of modernization coexisting with the protection of the rich heritage of indigenous tribes, urging everyone to cherish and celebrate these traditions.
“The Chindang festival exemplifies Arunachal’s cultural diversity, serving as a testament to the state’s heritage and traditions,” Mein said, while stressing the significance of preserving and promoting these cultural treasures.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to safeguarding indigenous traditions and culture, the deputy chief minister mentioned ongoing efforts to formulate policies for their protection and promotion.
“Arunachal Pradesh, often hailed as a cultural paradise for researchers, boasts a wealth of cultural diversity that must be nurtured for future generations,” he said.
Mein also acknowledged the pivotal role of elders in preserving the state’s rich cultural heritage and urged the younger generation to uphold this legacy.
Safeguarding and promoting cultural traditions should be a collective societal responsibility, he said while encouraging artists, singers, and music composers to create songs using local lyrics and traditional music to ensure their continued vitality.
The deputy chief minister also emphasized Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a Developed India by 2047, encapsulated in the Panch Pran of Amrit Kaal.
He underscored the state’s commitment to achieving this vision and detailed the remarkable progress in various sectors, including highways, railways, airways, telecom, riverways, and electricity, crucial for economic growth and connectivity.
Mein underscored the importance of development in border areas, citing initiatives such as Frontier Highways, the Vibrant Village Programme, Golden Jubilee Border Illumination Programme, and the transformation of border villages into model villages.
These initiatives reflect the state’s dedication to enhancing border security and development, he said.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju who presided over the event as the chief patron of the festival celebration committee noted the fortunate status of Arunachal, where indigenous cultures are still flourishing, unlike many other parts of the world.
He praised the Sajolang community for preserving their traditions through cultural celebrations like the Chindang festival and encouraged them to continue doing so.
Rijiju also expressed gratitude to the community’s elders for preserving and passing down cultural heritage to younger generations.
During the event, a Sajolang folktale movie titled “Narsang – A Tale of Two Realms” and an audio album titled “Sajolang Gudang Muguniu” were unveiled by the dignitaries.
Among others, the event was attended by Bomdila MLA Dongru Siongju, former minister Japu Deru, former member of Pradesh Council Rinchin Kharu Rijiju, the deputy commissioner and SP of West Kameng, PRI leaders, Gaon Buras and other distinguished guests.
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