Arunachal urge Centre for one-time special package

Arunachal Pradesh has urged the Centre for a one-time special package to boost its economy and compensate for years of under-development.
The request was made by Chief Minister Kalikho Pul during his first meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday, an official communique said here today.
Pul said the request for the one-time grant must not be considered on economic costs of development involved but for "confidence building initiatives" that must be taken with respect to Arunachal Pradesh as a strategic border state.
"The economic package is not merely an investment for development of the state, but it is an investment for the country."

The appeal for the package was based on the Raghuram Rajan committee report for evolving a composite development index of states which identifies Arunachal Pradesh as among the 'least developed' states in India.
The chief minister said it was time to move beyond the rhetoric of Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of the country and to initiate real development on the ground. To acheive that special concession must be granted to the state due to its hard terrain and strategic importance.

He requested the prime minister to waive the population criteria and other national norms that forms the basis for grant of development packages and for implementation of government programme and policies in the state.

Stating that Arunachalees are the vanguard in securing the international borders and in their presence the country has legitimate claim on the borders, Pul sought support of the Centre in making these area habitable.
He referred to the alarming trend of migration of border communities to urban centres that result in lands lying unclaimed and unoccupied which allow for ease of intrusion.
To prevent this, Pul sought support for developing facilities for basic amenities such as foot suspension bridges, culverts, water supply, health facilities, education, power and communication.
"We must match our development with neighbouring China. Their border areas are well connected by road and air with all modern amenities, while our side is weak in all terms," he added.

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Referring to rail connectivity, Pul urged for
immediate development of railway network in foothill towns like Deomali, Namsai, Tezu, Roing, Pasighat, Likabali, Seijosa and Kimin.
He also sought Centre's attention on further development of rail network in interior pockets as long term plan.
Stressing on the importance of an immediate rail network in foothills areas, the chief minister said it would help farmers and local traders to have direct trade link with all major cities in India.
He said Arunachal has tremendous agriculture and horticulture potential but lacks market linkages. The initiatives are important to fight opium cultivation in the state to provide alternate source of livelihood, the communique added.