PPA hails Arunachal Budget as development-oriented, Congress MLA calls for transparency

The Arunachal Pradesh Budget for 2026–27, presented in the Legislative Assembly by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, drew praise from the ruling ally People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) while also prompting calls from the lone Congress legislator for greater transparency and accuracy in the implementation of government schemes.

The budget, which carries a total outlay of Rs 36,607 crore, has been projected with a deficit of Rs 7,043 crore—amounting to around 1.7 percent. It aims to chart a roadmap for people-centric and future-ready development across the frontier state, with emphasis on health, education, infrastructure, livelihoods, entrepreneurship and governance reforms.

PPA MLA from Tawang, Namgey Tsering, along with party president Nabam Vivek, welcomed the budget, describing it as “people-friendly and development-oriented.” The leaders said the government’s fiscal blueprint reflects a balanced approach to infrastructure development, social welfare and economic opportunities for the state’s more than 16 lakh residents.

However, Congress MLA from Bameng, Kumar Waii, stressed the need for strict transparency and accuracy in implementing government schemes. He urged the government to strengthen accountability mechanisms within the administrative machinery to curb corruption and ensure that the benefits of welfare and development initiatives reach the grassroots level.

According to the budget document, the government has opted for a more focused spending strategy this year, prioritising productive expenditure that creates long-term value. The Budget Estimate for FY 2026–27 stands at ₹36,607 crore, compared to ₹39,842 crore in FY 2025–26, marking a reduction of about 8.1 percent. Officials said the budget formulation involved an evidence-based and participatory process, with 1,834 citizens contributing suggestions through the Jan Bhagidari platform.

The budget is structured around six major focus areas: strengthening foundational infrastructure, people-centric development, sustaining economic growth, entrepreneurship and employment generation, fiscal stability, and governance reforms.

Among the key infrastructure initiatives, the government has allocated ₹500 crore for the Chief Minister’s State Rural Roads Programme and is pushing forward with major connectivity projects including the Naharlagun–Hollongi Airport Road and the proposed Aerocity near Donyi Polo Airport. A convention centre with a hotel in public–private partnership mode is also planned in the Hollongi area, alongside feasibility studies for a monorail or ropeway in the twin capital region.

In the energy sector, large hydropower projects such as the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project and the Dibang Multipurpose Project are set to progress, alongside new transmission infrastructure and solar electrification initiatives targeting remote border villages. The government also plans to expand renewable and off-grid energy coverage with solar home lighting systems for more than 11,000 households.

The budget also places strong emphasis on improving healthcare infrastructure, upgrading schools and early childhood care centres, enhancing women and child nutrition programmes, and boosting agricultural livelihoods through support for oil palm cultivation, horticulture, dairy and fisheries.

Economic growth and job creation remain central themes, with the launch of the ARUN MSME Mission, expansion of self-employment schemes, support for startups and Industry 4.0 skill development initiatives aimed at preparing youth for emerging sectors.

Additionally, the government has proposed governance reforms through improved tax and power revenue systems, the rollout of e-HRMS for administrative efficiency, and enhanced policing, fire services and digital Inner Line Permit (e-ILP) mechanisms.

With more than 91 percent of last year’s budget announcements reportedly in advanced stages of implementation, the government says the 2026–27 budget seeks to consolidate development gains while ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth for all regions of Arunachal Pradesh.