Arunachal Cabinet Announces Key Initiatives for Women, Youth, and State Development
In a significant move to empower women, support youth, and promote the state’s development, the Arunachal Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, has launched several wide-ranging initiatives. These decisions were made during the fourth Cabinet meeting held at the Nyapin Mini Secretariat. The measures, ranging from financial assistance to new programs for girls and the establishment of think tanks for policy-making, are expected to have a far-reaching socio-economic impact.
Changes to the Dulari Kanya Scheme
The state Cabinet has revised the Dulari Kanya Scheme, enhancing the financial assistance provided to girls born through institutional delivery. Under the revised scheme, a fixed deposit of ₹30,000 will be provided instead of the previous ₹20,000. This deposit will mature when the beneficiary turns 18. Additionally, ₹20,000 will be provided as direct benefit transfer (DBT) when the girl enters class 11, promoting education. The total benefit under the scheme will now reach ₹50,000, boosting girl education and their overall welfare in the state.
New Policies for Governance and Economic Development
The Cabinet approved the Arunachal Pradesh Arun Parivar Patra Authority Bill, 2025, aimed at creating a comprehensive citizen database for family-centric governance. This initiative will help link policies with data-based decisions and ensure that welfare schemes reach the correct beneficiaries.
To strengthen policy-making, the government has established the Institute for Transforming Arunachal (ITA), which will operate under the Finance, Planning, and Investment Department. This think tank will provide research-based policy recommendations in areas such as governance, economic development, and sustainable growth, ensuring that state initiatives align with national goals.
Reforms in Trade, Handicrafts, and Sports
The state government has passed the Arunachal Pradesh Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, to streamline revenue collection in line with national tax policies.
Additionally, the Arunachal Pradesh Handloom and Handicraft Policy – 2024 has been implemented to promote traditional industries. Under this policy, a digital database of weavers and artisans will be created, and awards for their crafts will be enhanced. The first prize amount has been increased from ₹75,000 to ₹1,00,000, and the second prize amount has been raised from ₹65,000 to ₹75,000.
In the sports sector, the government has launched the Mission Olympics, prioritizing sports like badminton, skateboarding, taekwondo, judo, weightlifting, and wushu. This initiative will provide world-class training, coaching, and performance monitoring for athletes.
Measures for Youth Development and Women Entrepreneurs
The state government has declared 2024-25 as the “Year of Youth” and introduced the Arunachal Pradesh Youth Policy. The policy will focus on nine key areas, including education, skill training, health, and entrepreneurship, encouraging young people to actively participate in the state’s development.
For women entrepreneurs, the government has established a special development cell with an initial fund of ₹5 crore. This center will offer guidance, business training, and financial assistance, enabling women to independently launch startups and promote innovation.
Strengthening Public Safety in Arunachal Pradesh
To improve emergency services, the government has decided to establish five new fire stations in Raga, Yupia, Boleang, Lemmi, and Tato. Additionally, 90 new positions will be created to ensure that these fire stations are fully operational and well-equipped.
