The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Kalikho Pul called on Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh here yesterday and discussed in detail, wide range of issues concerning the State. In his first meeting with Dr Jitendra Singh after taking over as Chief Minister, Shri Kalikho Pul expressed satisfaction at the immense cooperation and support offered to his government by the Union Ministry of DoNER in implementation of various developmental works in the State. Dr Jitendra Singh brought to the notice of Shri Kalikho Pul that there are certain pending projects in the State of Arunachal Pradesh which require to be taken up on urgent basis. In this regard, he particularly mentioned the construction of Airport at Itanagar which, he said, had got unduly delayed because of the issues related to identification of site and land acquisition. He said that the demand for an airport has been longstanding and the people of Arunachal Pradesh should no longer be deprived of it. He suggested to the Chief Minister to expedite this project and initiate the construction work at the earliest with a befitting foundation stone laying ceremony.
Connectivity is a major issue in Arunachal Pradesh, said Dr Jitendra Singh, as a result of which the scenic richness of the State remains underutilized and tourist potential also does not receive its maximum benefit. Another delayed project which Dr Jitendra Singh referred to was the setting up of the Film & Television Institute at Arunachal Pradesh. He said the Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley had allocated a Film Institute to the State in last year’s budget, but till date, the formalities regarding land identification and acquisition have not been finalized, as a result of which, the work could not start. He urged upon the Chief Minister to expedite this project which would be a boost for film shooting units and also add to the State’s revenue. Dr Jitendra Singh also referred to the construction of Assembly-cum-Secretariat complex at Itanagar for which the initial timeline was February/March 2015, which means that there is already a delay of over one year. He said, the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is taking personal interest in each of the developmental projects in Arunachal Pradesh as well as in other North Eastern States and therefore, this is a great opportunity for the State which should not be missed.Shri Kalikho Pul appreciated the response of the Union Government and the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to the issues and priorities put forward by the Arunachal government and expressed confidence that, with the support of the Modi Government at the Centre, Arunachal Pradesh will usher in a new era of development.