PM Modi in Arunachal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects worth over ₹5,100 crore in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. He also launched next-generation GST reforms and the nationwide GST Savings Festival, promising major relief for citizens during the festive season.
Addressing a public gathering, the Prime Minister invoked blessings of Donyi Polo and hailed Arunachal Pradesh as the “land of the rising sun and fervent patriotism.” He said the state, like the saffron of the national flag, embodies valor, simplicity, and cultural pride.
Highlighting three special aspects of his visit, Shri Modi said that it coincided with the first day of Navratri, the rollout of GST reforms, and the inauguration of several projects in Arunachal covering power, connectivity, tourism, and health. “This reflects the double benefit of our governments at the Centre and the state,” he noted, congratulating the people.
PM Modi emphasized the transformation in Northeast development since 2014, contrasting it with past neglect. He said Arunachal has received over ₹1 lakh crore as central tax share in the last decade, compared to just ₹6,000 crore earlier. “Arunachal is now witnessing extensive and rapid development because intentions are noble and efforts are honest,” he said.
The Prime Minister laid the foundation for two hydropower projects—Heo Hydro Electric Project (240 MW) and Tato-I Hydro Electric Project (186 MW)—worth ₹3,700 crore, in the Siyom sub-basin. He also laid the foundation stone of a modern Convention Centre at Tawang, with a capacity of over 1,500 delegates. Other projects worth ₹1,290 crore were also launched, spanning connectivity, health, fire safety, and working women hostels.
On GST reforms, he announced that income up to ₹12 lakh is now tax-free, GST has been reduced to two slabs (5% and 18%), and many items are tax-free. “Essential items like kitchen supplies, school materials, footwear and clothing have become cheaper. Households will feel a big relief in monthly budgets,” he said, adding that GST reforms would boost savings and growth.
Hailing Arunachal’s tourism potential, Shri Modi said connectivity expansion is doubling tourist inflows, and the upcoming convention centre in Tawang will add new dimensions. He also highlighted progress in agriculture, women empowerment, health infrastructure, and the Vibrant Villages Programme, which has transformed over 450 border villages in the state.
Urging citizens to adopt Swadeshi, the Prime Minister said, “India will become developed only when it becomes self-reliant. Buy Indian, sell Indian, and proudly declare products as Swadeshi.” Governor Lt Gen K T Parnaik (Retd), Chief Minister Pema Khandu, and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju were present at the event.
