(Source & Credit: PMO)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lays foundation stones and launches projects in Itanagar; highlights Arunachal’s role in India’s growth and announces simplified GST.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, today and inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of several development projects worth over Rs. 5,100 crore. Governor Lt Gen K T Parnaik (Retd), Chief Minister Pema Khandu, and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju were also present at the event.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said Arunachal Pradesh is not only the “land of the rising sun” but also a “land of patriotism, peace, and culture.” He called the state the “pride of India” and praised its people for their warmth and simplicity.
Shri Modi highlighted three key aspects of his visit: the launch of next-generation GST reforms, the inauguration of new development projects, and the spiritual significance of being in Arunachal on the first day of Navratri. He announced the new GST slabs of 5% and 18%, along with a “GST Savings Festival” to ease household budgets and reduce prices of many essential goods.
During the event, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for two major hydropower projects—Heo (240 MW) and Tato-I (186 MW)—worth over Rs. 3,700 crore in the Siyom sub-basin. He also launched a state-of-the-art Convention Centre at Tawang and inaugurated key infrastructure projects worth Rs. 1,290 crore, including new roads, healthcare facilities, working women hostels, and connectivity improvements.
PM Modi said the Northeast has now become the “Ashtalakshmi of India” and is emerging as a driving force in the nation’s development. He highlighted that the region, once neglected, is now receiving record investments, with Arunachal Pradesh alone receiving over Rs. 1 lakh crore from central taxes in the last decade.
The Prime Minister praised the success of the Vibrant Villages Programme, under which more than 450 border villages in Arunachal have gained better roads, electricity, and internet, boosting both tourism and local livelihoods. He also said connectivity improvements such as the Hollongi Airport’s new terminal and direct flights to Delhi are making life easier for students, farmers, and businesses.
Shri Modi emphasized his government’s focus on good governance, ease of living, and empowerment of women. He reiterated his mission to create three crore “Lakhpati Didis” and mentioned new hostels for working women in the state. He also encouraged citizens to adopt Swadeshi and buy Indian-made products to strengthen self-reliance.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister said the development projects launched today will transform Arunachal Pradesh’s growth story and bring prosperity to its people.
Source: PMO
