In a significant meeting aimed at setting the state's agenda for the coming year, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta held separate discussions with Governor Lieutenant General (Retd.) KT Parnaik at Lok Bhavan in Itanagar on Friday.
Governor's Four-Pillar Vision for Arunachal's Progress
During the deliberations, Governor Parnaik laid out his comprehensive vision for Arunachal Pradesh in the New Year, championing a model of balanced and inclusive development. He identified four key sectors — education, health, hydropower, and tourism — as the essential "four wheels" that will propel the state forward.
Emphasizing the critical need to invest in the future, the Governor called for a concentrated effort on youth development and capacity building. This focus is strategically aligned with the national mission of Viksit Bharat@2047. Governor Parnaik also briefed the Chief Minister on his recent high-level engagements, including meetings with the Vice-President of India and the Chief of Defence Staff, as well as deliberations from a security review meeting held at Lok Bhavan, underlining their importance to the state's strategic and developmental goals.
Chief Minister's Ground-Level Insights and Initiatives
In response, Chief Minister Pema Khandu provided the Governor with a detailed update on the ongoing initiatives across various districts of Arunachal Pradesh. He shared valuable insights gathered from his recent tours and his participation in the Dong Sunrise Festival, highlighting the progress being made at the grassroots level, extensive public outreach efforts, and the government's work towards promoting inclusive growth and preserving the state's rich cultural heritage.
Focus on Governance, Technology, and AI-Driven Solutions
Later, Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta paid a courtesy visit to the Governor, where they exchanged New Year greetings. Their meeting took a deep dive into administrative efficiency. Governor Parnaik offered guidance on strengthening governance and improving service delivery in key sectors. He advocated for the closer monitoring of developmental projects using geospatial technologies, stressing the principles of transparency, timely execution, and evidence-based decision-making.
The Governor further emphasized the need to boost productivity and competitiveness in both manufacturing and services. He urged an accelerated structural transformation driven by robust infrastructure, improved operational efficiency, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to ensure sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
A forward-looking part of their discussion involved exploring practical AI-driven solutions in governance and development. They also talked about scaling up and effectively utilizing India's digital public infrastructure to enhance outcomes, expand access, and strengthen citizen-centric services throughout the state.
Earlier in the meeting, the Chief Secretary briefed the Governor on a range of ongoing matters, including urban development projects, the status of hydropower initiatives, security concerns in the eastern districts, and preparations for the upcoming meeting of the North Eastern Council (NEC).