The Arunachal Pradesh cabinet, led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, green‑lit two new joint‑venture companies (JVCs) that will build seven major hydropower plants in the state. The decision was made during a meeting in Miao, Changlang district, as part of the “Cabinet Aapke Dwar” initiative that brings the government closer to local communities.
Two JVCs will power India’s 19‑GW hydropower goal
- NHPC‑Arunachal Green Energy Limited will handle the Kamala (1,720 MW) and Subansiri Upper (1,605 MW) projects.
- NEEPCO‑Arunachal Hydro Power Corporation Limited will run the Tato I, Tato II, Heo, Naying, and Hirong plants.
These projects fall under India’s Decade of Hydro Power (2025‑2035) and are meant to bring fresh investment, jobs, and a big push toward the country’s net‑zero targets.
Prime Minister Modi set the stage earlier
During a September 22 visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for two flagship projects totaling 426 MW. They will be built by NEEPCO, a wholly‑owned subsidiary of NTPC Ltd., and co‑owned with the state government. The Heo (240 MW) and Tato‑I (186 MW) plants are expected to generate about 1,800 megawatt‑hours per year and cost more than ₹3,700 crore.
Cabinet meeting moved to the front lines
The meeting took place in Miao instead of the capital, Itanagar, to demonstrate the state’s “Cabinet at Your Doorstep” policy. The cabinet also approved several governance measures aimed at boosting education, service delivery, and the overall economy.
New rules for local elections
- Nomination papers can be rejected if the election agent holds a profit‑bearing office.
- Polling agents must arrive an hour before polls open.
- EVMs will be used in gram panchayat elections.
- Deputy Commissioners can decide complaints against Zilla Parishad or gram panchayat members.
- Anti‑party activities can lead to disqualification, and NOTA options will be added to Zilla Parishad polls.
Pension upgrade for former legislators
The cabinet also amended the Arunachal Pradesh Salaries, Allowances, and Pension Act, 1983, giving retired council members and MLAs a pension of ₹60,000 per month based on full or partial terms.
The new JVCs and policy changes signal a strong push to harness Arunachal Pradesh’s river power and strengthen local governance, positioning the state as a key player in India’s clean‑energy future.
Source: ianslive
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