PM Modi visits border states Arunachal, Tripura; says “North East is the Ashtalakshmi of India”
(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off his visit to India’s border states with a bang, launching and laying foundation stones for development projects worth over Rs 5,100 crore in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. The event on Monday highlighted major boosts for hydropower, infrastructure, and tourism in the Northeast region.
Modi started strong by greenlighting two big hydropower projects in the Siyom sub-basin, totaling more than Rs 3,700 crore. The 240 MW Heo Hydro Electric Project and the 186 MW Tato-I Hydro Electric Project promise to ramp up power generation, create jobs for local youth, and support affordable electricity across Arunachal Pradesh.
He also unveiled plans for a cutting-edge convention center in Tawang, perched at over 9,820 feet in this border district. This new spot will host national and international conferences, cultural events, and exhibitions, turning the area into a vibrant hub for tourism and gatherings.
On top of that, Modi rolled out several infrastructure initiatives worth Rs 1,290 crore. These cover everything from better roads and connectivity to health facilities, fire safety upgrades, and hostels for working women. The projects aim to spark economic growth, lift living standards, and link remote areas in Arunachal Pradesh more effectively.
Shifting to Tripura, Modi inaugurated upgrades to the Mata Tripura Sundari Temple complex in Matabari under the government’s PRASAD scheme, which focuses on reviving pilgrimage sites and spiritual heritage. He reviewed the ongoing work, offered prayers at the temple for the nation’s well-being, and enjoyed a lively roadshow in Gomati district, where crowds gave him a warm welcome.
Back in Itanagar, Modi addressed a huge gathering, paying respects to the local Donyi Polo faith and praising Arunachal’s hospitality. He called the state not just the land of the rising sun, but a hotspot of patriotism, with kids waving national flags along his route from the helipad.
Modi shared why this visit felt extra special. First, it fell on the opening day of Navratri, letting him soak in the Himalayan views while devotees honored Maa Shailputri. Second, he touted nationwide next-generation GST reforms and the launch of the GST Savings Festival, bringing festive cheer with tax cuts on everyday items. Third, the slate of new projects in power, connectivity, tourism, and health shows his government’s commitment to Arunachal’s growth.
He contrasted this with the past, noting how pre-2014 governments overlooked Arunachal and the Northeast due to its small population and few parliamentary seats. Under his leadership since 2014, the focus has shifted to “Nation First” and treating citizens like gods—”Nagarik Devobhava.” Modi pointed out that central tax shares to Arunachal jumped from Rs 6,000 crore in the previous decade to over Rs 1 lakh crore now—16 times more—fueling rapid development without counting extra scheme funds or big infrastructure pushes.
The Prime Minister stressed his government’s push for “Ease of Living,” from smoother travel and healthcare to better education and business. He highlighted feats like the Sela Tunnel, once deemed impossible, now a key to Arunachal’s progress. As India eyes developed nation status by 2047, Modi said the Northeast, seen as the “Ashtalakshmi” of the eight states, plays a crucial role. In the power sector, Arunachal is stepping up toward India’s 500 GW non-fossil fuel goal by 2030, with these new hydro projects creating thousands of jobs.
Modi slammed past leaders for dodging tough terrains in the mountains and forests, labeling them “backward” and ignoring tribal and border areas. His administration flipped the script: “aspirational districts” get priority, and “last villages” on borders are now “first villages” under the Vibrant Villages Programme. In Arunachal alone, over 450 border villages now have roads, power, and internet, curbing migration and sparking tourism booms.
Empowering women topped his agenda too. Modi reiterated his goal of three crore “Lakhpati Didis” and praised Arunachal Chief Minister Pema Khandu for advancing it, including new hostels for working women. He cheered the women in the crowd for the GST Savings Festival, which slashes taxes on kitchen essentials, kids’ school supplies, clothes, and shoes—easing family budgets.
Looking back, Modi recalled the chaos before 2014: sky-high inflation, scams, and taxes hitting even Rs 2 lakh earners, with many goods over 30% taxed. His government has slashed income tax—now zero up to Rs 12 lakh annually—and simplified GST to 5% and 18% slabs. Everyday joys like home-building, bike-buying, eating out, and traveling cost less, making the festival a game-changer for Indians.
The event drew Arunachal Governor Lt Gen K T Parnaik (Retd), Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, and other leaders. Modi’s trip underscores a brighter future for Northeast India through targeted development and inclusive growth.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
