Celebrates 80th Independence Day with Focus on Resilient Development

Itanagar, India Aug 17, 2026 ALN: celebrated its 80th Independence Day with Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik urging citizens to uphold the values of unity, service, and national responsibility. Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also presented an ambitious development roadmap aimed at resilient infrastructure, enhanced connectivity, economic growth, and inclusive development.

At Lok Bhavan in Itanagar, Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik, PVSM, UYSM, YSM (Retd.), hoisted the National Flag and received a Guard of Honour from the Echo Company of the 33rd Battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police.

In his address, the Governor paid tribute to freedom fighters and called on citizens to embrace the ideals of democracy, justice, equality, unity, and service to the nation. He emphasized that the country is not only celebrating 80 years of independence but also the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, which he described as a lasting symbol of patriotism and national pride.

The Governor highlighted the state's progress in various sectors including infrastructure, education, healthcare, tourism, agriculture, entrepreneurship, hydropower, and skill development. He stressed the importance of empowering youth, women, farmers, and self-help groups while focusing on development in border areas.

The celebration at Lok Bhavan featured a rendition of Vande Mataram by students from Rajiv Gandhi University and an address by Gollo Aniya from Let’s Speak. Prizes were awarded for the Independence Day Lok Bhavan Games and Sports Competition, and referees and organizers were recognized for their contributions.

A special citation was presented to Geyir Ete for her significant contributions to public communication and anchoring state functions. Additionally, Best Employee Awards were given to Sipiyang Pangkam, Gopal Darnal, Gulam Mustapa, and Abhijeet Roy for their dedication and service.

At Itanagar, Chief Minister Pema Khandu vowed to rebuild the state better following recent floods and landslides, announcing a substantial investment of Rs 7,834 crore for 2026-29 aimed at strengthening roads, rural connectivity, power, and other key infrastructure.

Hoisting the National Tricolour at Indira Gandhi Park, Khandu remarked that the recent natural disasters underscored the urgent need for safer, stronger, and more resilient infrastructure in the frontier state. He paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the recent floods and landslides in , Assam, and Nagaland, extending condolences to the bereaved families.

The Chief Minister praised local communities, district administrations, security forces, disaster response teams, healthcare workers, and volunteers for their tireless efforts during the crisis. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the advance release of Rs 44.55 crore under the State Disaster Response Fund, which bolstered relief, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts.

Khandu called for a future-ready disaster management strategy, encouraging communities and public representatives to collaborate on disaster mitigation and adaptation plans, assuring them of full support from the state government.

Highlighting the state's development over the past decade, Khandu noted the unprecedented support received from the Centre in areas such as connectivity, healthcare, education, border-area development, tourism, digital infrastructure, and green energy.

The Chief Minister also acknowledged the growing role of women in the state's development, stating that over 1.5 lakh women are organized into more than 16,000 self-help groups, with nearly 46 percent of startups in being women-led.

“From Mother’s Kitchens to ARUNIMA Marts, from sports to education, from innovation to enterprise, women of are strengthening families, generating livelihoods, and creating new pathways of progress,” he said.

On the topic of last-mile development, Khandu revealed that the state has recently approved Rs 7,834 crore for 2026-29 under flagship schemes like the Chief Minister Comprehensive Schemes and Mission Shikshit.

Of this amount, Rs 2,334 crore will be allocated under Phase-II of the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive State Road Development Plan to upgrade roads in district headquarters, townships, and the Capital Complex. An additional Rs 2,000 crore will be spent under the Comprehensive State Rural Road Development Programme to ensure all-weather connectivity to uncovered habitations.

Furthermore, Rs 2,000 crore will be invested under the Comprehensive State Power Development Programme to modernize power infrastructure and enhance electricity supply.

Khandu mentioned that four high-powered committees have been established to address issues concerning APST safeguards, strengthening the Inner Line Permit framework, illegal infiltration, and other matters affecting the long-term interests of indigenous communities.

He assured that development projects, including infrastructure, hydropower, and tourism, would be pursued through dialogue and community participation while respecting sacred sites, customary practices, and indigenous sentiments.

The government is committed to protecting indigenous faiths, languages, customs, festivals, and traditional knowledge systems.

As marks 80 years of India’s Independence, Khandu emphasized that the present generation has the responsibility to build a developed state and contribute to the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.

“The next 10 years will be a decade of accelerated delivery, deeper transformation, and stronger foundations for the future,” he stated, expressing hope that future generations would remember this period as one when unlocked its full potential while preserving its identity and ensuring development reached every corner of the state.

At Chongkham, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein urged the public to collectively work towards building a Viksit as part of Viksit Bharat@2047.

Mein highlighted the state’s economic progress, noting that 's GSDP has increased from ₹20,373 crore to ₹50,651 crore, while the State Budget has grown from ₹12,533 crore in 2015-16 to ₹39,842 crore in 2025-26.

He mentioned that rural roads under PMGSY have expanded from 4,131 km to 14,926 km, and National Highway coverage has increased from 1,043 km to 2,538 km. He emphasized the importance of the Vibrant Villages Programme and the proposed Frontier Highway for enhancing border connectivity.

“Border villages are not the last villages of India; they are the first villages of India,” Mein asserted.

He also noted the approval of a medical college in Namsai, the incubation of around 156 startups, support to over 1.14 lakh farmers under PM-KISAN, and the expansion of organic farming to nearly 28,000 hectares.

Mein welcomed the recognition of Glaw Lake as 's first and India’s 101st Ramsar site, underscoring the state’s tourism and hydropower potential while stressing the need for environmentally responsible development that respects indigenous communities.

During the Chongkham celebration, a new ambulance donated by Reliance was dedicated to public service. Mein also participated in the Drug-Free Pledge initiative.