The Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly has approved the state budget for the financial year 2026–27, with a total outlay of Rs 36,607 crore. The budget was passed by voice vote after a two-day discussion among members of the House.Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who also holds the finance, planning and investment portfolios, had presented the budget in the Assembly on March 10. The budget focuses on six key sectors aimed at strengthening infrastructure, promoting people-centric development, supporting economic growth and improving governance.According to the estimates presented in the House, the state’s total budget for 2026–27 stands at Rs 36,607 crore. This is around 8.1 per cent lower than the previous financial year’s budget of Rs 39,842 crore. The budget also projects a deficit of Rs 701.43 crore.Replying to the discussion in the Assembly, Mein thanked the members for taking part in the deliberations. He said the budget has been prepared keeping in mind the needs and aspirations of the people of the state.The deputy chief minister explained that the reduction in the budget size was mainly due to a lower allocation from the Centre. He said the shortfall happened after the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission regarding horizontal devolution among states.
Despite the reduction, Mein said the state government has planned several steps to manage the shortfall and continue development activities during the current financial year.He told the House that the budget has been designed in such a way that it benefits every section of society. The government’s focus areas include health, education, livelihood opportunities, connectivity, public safety, cultural promotion and improvements in governance.Mein said these initiatives aim to ensure that the more than 16 lakh residents of Arunachal Pradesh benefit from one or more of the schemes and programmes announced in the budget.He informed members that after the budget’s approval, necessary allocations will be made to all departments so that ongoing projects can continue and new initiatives can be implemented.The deputy chief minister also urged departments to prepare their guidelines and annual operating plans without delay. He said this would help ensure that projects and development programmes are implemented on time.Mein said the state government has also set up a system to review centrally sponsored schemes and other major programmes regularly. These reviews are conducted every two months by a committee headed by the chief secretary.
He stressed that delays in implementing centrally sponsored schemes and flagship programmes often lead to higher project costs. Timely execution, he said, is important for effective use of public funds.Responding to issues raised by members during the discussion, Mein assured the House that the concerns highlighted by legislators would be addressed on priority. He also said that development schemes suggested by members would be implemented in phases.The deputy chief minister said the government is working to strengthen the education sector through various plans and policies. He added that steps are also being taken to improve health infrastructure and gradually fill manpower gaps in the healthcare system.Speaking about the development of the Northeast region, Mein said the region has seen significant changes since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014. He described the Northeast as an important engine of growth for the country.He also referred to the Centre’s Act East Policy, which was launched to accelerate development and improve connectivity in the region. The prime minister has often described the Northeast as “Ashta Lakshmi”, highlighting its importance for India’s overall progress.Mein added that the Centre’s focus on the Northeast has led to higher budget allocations for sectors such as education, entrepreneurship and infrastructure development. He called upon all members of the Assembly to work together with the government for the overall development and transformation of Arunachal Pradesh.
