Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh – Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has welcomed the Union Budget 2026-27 as a clear indicator of the Centre’s sustained focus on strengthening border states, particularly in the Northeast and Himalayan frontier regions. He described the fiscal plan as a forward-looking document that prioritizes infrastructure, security, economic integration, and population stability along India’s strategic boundaries.
In his reaction to the budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Mein highlighted several elements that directly or indirectly benefit Arunachal Pradesh and other border states.
Key Aspects Appreciated by Deputy CM
- Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) continuity and expansion The budget maintains strong funding momentum for VVP Phase-II, reinforcing the scheme’s role in reversing outmigration, improving basic services, and creating livelihood opportunities in remote border villages. Mein noted early signs of people returning to frontier areas in districts like Kurung Kumey, Dibang Valley, and Shi-Yomi.
- Border infrastructure & connectivity push Continued emphasis on all-weather roads, bridges, tunnels, and improved last-mile connectivity under schemes like PMGSY, Bharatmala, and border roads projects was seen as vital for both economic development and strategic access in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Eastern & Northeastern development focus (Purvodaya) The renewed push for the eastern industrial corridor, multi-modal logistics parks, tourism circuits (including Buddhist circuits covering Arunachal), and clean energy initiatives aligns closely with the state’s hydropower ambitions and tourism potential.
- Security & strategic reinforcement Enhanced allocation for border guarding forces, modern equipment, and integrated check posts signals long-term commitment to strengthening India’s presence and deterrence capability along the northern borders.
- Human development in frontier areas Provisions for skill centres, healthcare upgrades (including the regional mental health hub in Tezpur), and youth employment-linked schemes were appreciated for addressing the unique challenges faced by border communities.
Long-Term Vision for Border States
Deputy CM Chowna Mein emphasized that the budget reflects a strategic shift: treating border regions not merely as security outposts but as engines of growth and national integration.
“This budget sends a strong message—India is investing seriously in its frontiers for the next 25–30 years. For Arunachal Pradesh, it means better roads to our border villages, more jobs for our youth, stronger tourism circuits, and continued support for hydropower and green energy. The focus on Vibrant Villages and eastern development shows the Centre understands that secure and prosperous border states are central to India’s rise.”
He particularly welcomed the absence of populist giveaways, calling the budget “reform-oriented, disciplined, and future-focused”—qualities he believes will help sustain high growth rates needed for rapid transformation in the Northeast.
The Deputy CM also expressed confidence that the enhanced bilateral trade framework with the United States (highlighted earlier by CM Pema Khandu) would complement the budget’s eastern push, opening new export avenues for Arunachal’s organic produce, medicinal plants, handicrafts, and eco-tourism offerings.
Overall, the leadership in Arunachal Pradesh views the Union Budget 2026-27 as validation of the Centre’s long-term strategic commitment to transforming border states from peripheral regions into active contributors to national economic and security strength.
Relevant Tags
Union Budget 2026 Border States, Chowna Mein Budget Reaction, Vibrant Villages Programme Arunachal, Purvodaya Northeast, Arunachal Border Development, Northeast Infrastructure Budget, India Border Security Funding, Act East Policy Budget, Himalayan Frontier Investment, Arunachal Pradesh Budget 2026
Hashtags
#UnionBudget2026 #ChownaMein #ArunachalBorder #VibrantVillages #Purvodaya #NortheastDevelopment #BorderStates #ArunachalPradesh #ActEastPolicy #StrategicFrontier
