Itanagar, March 10 Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein presented a budget of Rs 36,607 crore for the 2026-27 fiscal year in the state assembly, with a focus on six key sectors aimed at strengthening infrastructure, people-centric development, economic growth, and governance reforms.
Mein, who also holds the portfolios of finance, planning, and investment, said the total budget estimate has a deficit of Rs 701.43 crore.
Compared to the Rs 36,607 crore budget for 2026-27, the previous fiscal year's budget was Rs 39,842 crore, reflecting a reduction of about 8.1 per cent.
The deputy chief minister said the budget is structured around six major focus areas, including strengthening infrastructure with an allocation of Rs 2,038 crore and people-centric development with Rs 3,320 crore.
The other priority areas are sustaining economic growth with Rs 630 crore, entrepreneurship and employment generation with Rs 307 crore, resource mobilization and fiscal stability with Rs 188 crore, and governance and reforms with Rs 727 crore.
Mein said the reduction in the budget size in 2026-27 was mainly due to a shortfall in allocation from the Centre following the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission based on horizontal devolution.
"Despite the shortfall, we have presented a people-centric and growth-oriented budget for the development of the state," he said.
Under the first focus area, the budget prioritizes roads and connectivity, hydropower and border power infrastructure, electricity transmission and distribution, solar energy production, and off-grid electrification.
The second focus area covers people-centric development, including health infrastructure, public health and disease prevention, school and early childhood education, higher education and skill development, as well as support for girls and youth.
Another key focus area targets sustained economic growth through initiatives such as oil palm cultivation, Atmanirbhar youth programs, promotion of millets and agricultural education, diversified high-value farming, tourism, and the wine economy.
The fourth focus is entrepreneurship and employment generation through the Arun MSME Mission, corporate mitra programs, promotion of large and medium industries, skill development for working women, and support for startups and self-employment.
Another major area covers resource mobilization and fiscal stability through the monitoring of centrally sponsored schemes, strengthening of state revenue generation, restructuring of the tax department, power and revenue reforms, and exploring carbon markets and green bonds.
The sixth focus area includes governance and administrative reforms, such as strengthening police and fire services, implementation of e-ILP, improved border management, and technology-driven governance and research.
Mein said the budget aims to benefit every section of society in the state.
"This budget is designed to reach every section of society. Through its focus on health, education, livelihoods, connectivity, safety, culture, and governance, it ensures that all 16 lakh plus people of Arunachal Pradesh benefit from one or more of the measures announced," he said.
He said sustained investments over the years in sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, connectivity, livelihoods, governance, and human capital are shaping a long-term agenda for building human capabilities in the state.
Mein also emphasized the need to preserve indigenous culture and heritage while pursuing modern development.
"Through the preservation of indigenous cultures, protection of languages, documentation of rare manuscripts, strengthening of museums, festivals, cultural missions, and spiritual heritage, we envision an Arunachal that is modern yet rooted, globally connected yet proudly indigenous," he said.
He expressed confidence that with collective effort, visionary planning, and dedicated governance, Arunachal Pradesh can emerge as a model of balanced and sustainable development.
"With this forward-looking resolve, with faith in our people, and with the spirit of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas,' we move forward," Mein added.