Itanagar: In a landmark move aimed at boosting Arunachal Pradesh’s energy and governance sectors, the state Cabinet on Tuesday approved a series of key reforms during a historic sitting at Kibithu, India’s easternmost village on the Indo-China (Tibet) border.
One of the most significant decisions was the formation of M/s NEEPCO Arunachal Hydro Power Corporation Limited, a joint venture between the state government and North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO), to implement five major hydropower projects in Shi-Yomi district — Tato I, Heo, Tato II, Naying, and Hirong.
Of these, Tato I and Heo have already received clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs and are slated to begin construction shortly.
The cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, was part of the state’s ongoing Cabinet Aapke Dwar initiative, focused on decentralising governance and ensuring decision-making reaches even the remotest corners of Arunachal.
To strengthen the policy environment around hydropower, the Cabinet approved amendments to the State Hydro Power Policy 2008 and the Local Area Development Fund Guidelines 2022.
These changes will ensure that 1% of free power from hydropower producers — including PSUs — is directly allocated to local development funds, benefitting project-affected families without burdening the state budget, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office.
In another major step, the Cabinet restored the 144 MW Gongri Hydropower Project to M/s Dirang Energy Pvt Ltd under the newly framed Arunachal Pradesh Restoration of Terminated Large Hydropower Policy under Special Circumstances, 2025.
This marks the first revival under the policy. The state also approved a basin-wise coordination approach for hydro development and sanctioned 96 new posts (84 technical and 12 non-technical) to reinforce the sector’s capacity.
The decisions are in line with Arunachal Pradesh’s vision for a “Decade of Hydropower”, positioning the sector as a major pillar of the state’s economy.
In the education sector, the Cabinet approved a new Teachers’ Transfer and Posting Policy 2025, replacing the 2019–20 version.
The new system will operate through an automated teachers’ registry portal, aimed at ensuring transparency and rational deployment across government schools.
Further approvals included the creation of 32 teaching and non-teaching posts at Arunachal Pradesh University in Pasighat and new recruitment rules for PGTs and TGTs aligned with NCTE norms, enabling faster appointment of qualified teachers.
In a move to bolster internal security, 200 voluntary Home Guard posts were sanctioned under the Arunachal Pradesh Home Guards Rules, 2023. These personnel will support local policing and emergency response mechanisms.
The Cabinet also approved restructuring of the Arunachal Pradesh Civil Services (APCS), raising the number of secretary-level posts from 3 to 8 and additional secretary posts from 8 to 13.
The post of Extra Assistant Commissioner has been re-designated as Assistant Commissioner. The personnel department has been directed to resolve all encadrement and cadre management issues within two months.
To modernise administration, the Cabinet cleared a tripartite agreement under Mission Karmayogi with the Government of India and the Capacity Building Commission, enabling targeted training for government staff to enhance service delivery.
District administrations have been strengthened too, with deputy commissioners now empowered to suspend erring officials under clearly defined conditions.
In addition, the launch of the Mukhya Mantri Viksit Arunachal District Fellowship will see 35 fellows and 65 assistant fellows deployed across districts to assist DCs in accelerating developmental projects.
Other major approvals include new recruitment rules under the Land Management Department, framing of AP Boilers (Inquiry, Adjudication & Appeal) Rules, 2025 and review and restructuring of the Niglok Industrial Growth Centre to fast-track industrial development
In a bid to promote tourism and celebrate the state’s unique geography, the Cabinet gave in-principle approval for a five-day Sunrise Festival at Dong in Anjaw district — the first place in India to witness sunrise.
Scheduled around the New Year, the festival will be organised by professionals with state-backed infrastructure support.
These wide-ranging decisions underline the state government’s agenda of transparent governance, inclusive growth, and sustainable development, as envisioned under the Viksit Arunachal initiative.
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