Arunachal Pradesh Deputy CM Seeks Central Assistance Amidst Chinese Protests

Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has requested the Indian central government for additional funds due to a lack of assistance from international agencies like the World Bank and ADB, owing to protests from China. Mein highlighted the urgent need for Rs 2,000 crore for infrastructure improvements and emphasized the challenges posed by the state's tough geographical and climatic conditions.

Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Monday urged the Centre for more funds for development projects, citing a lack of assistance from international agencies such as the World Bank due to protests by China.

During a meeting chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Mein mentioned that the state has been deprived of externally aided projects, thereby missing out on financial benefits and technical knowledge crucial for development.

Mein requested a special one-time grant of Rs 2,000 crore for replacing around 5,500 dilapidated SPT residential quarters for government officials. He emphasized the inefficiency caused by old infrastructure and the need for multistoried RCC buildings.

Mein further stressed the importance of considering the cost disability index when allocating resources to hilly states, pointing out the high cost of infrastructure creation and maintenance due to the state's inhospitable topography and harsh climatic conditions.