While giving a clarion call on the need to curb terrorist activities to maintain peace and tranquility in the state for further development, General (Retd.) Singh asked the government to bring about normalcy in the trouble-torn districts and stabilize the law and order situation. Appreciating the vision and promises shown by both the Chief Ministers of Assam and Arunachal Pradeshto work unitedly in the development process, he hoped that the border disputes between the two would be solved amicably. The Governor added that the cultural bonds and cultural exchanges between the two would further bolster the relationship.
He appealed to the leaders to work unitedly, adding that Assam and other North Eastern states would also benefit through Arunachal’s projects on power, tourism, roads and other sectors. The Governor also emphasized on development of tourism in the state and the need to develop infrastructures to boost up the sector besides maintaining the ecology and environment through construction of eco friendly houses and giving up the use of plastic bags to maintain a healthy environment in the state.
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi in his speech lauded the achievements of Khandu. Informing about the concern of UPA Chairperson and Prime Minister for the North East, Gogoi stated that India would shine only if the North East in general and Arunachal Pradesh in particular would shine. He stressed the need for the states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to work unitedly for the development of the North East.
Speaking on the enormous resources in the state, he said that with a committed government and pro active governor, the future is bright for Arunachal Pradesh. Pointing out on the communication problems in the state which need to be improved for a more balanced development of all areas, the Assam Chief Minister categorically maintained that much pressure was being laid on the states to develop the Stillwell Road to expose this part of the North East to the outside world.
Addressing the occasion as the Special Guest, Assam Health and Family Welfare Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma said that the bond of friendship, mutual understanding and cultural relationship between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh would be promoted and strengthened further under the leadership of both the chief ministers Tarun Gogoi and Dorjee Khandu. Congratulating the government for transforming the promises into reality, he praised Khandu for taking steps to check corruption thereby increasing efficiency and transparency in the administration. Sharma further informed that the action of the Arunachal government on Public- Private-Partnership Programme (PPP) under health sector has achieved recognition and is taken as an example for others.
State Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu while highlighting the achievements of his government since coming into power, said that the anniversary celebration is to sensitize the government machinery to double its efforts to usher in further rapid development in the state and make the people aware of the government’s policies and programmes. He called for proper utilization of funds and implementation of PM’s package, which are being monitored by the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister and sought cooperation from one and all in translating the package into real goods and services. He informed that the government is reviewing policies in vogue with a view to make them pro-people, investor-friendly and transparent in all sectors.
While laying due emphasis on education especially SSA, Khandu informed that focus is on children from the lower strata of the society through incentives like free textbooks up to Class XII, enhancement of stipends etc., adding that Rs. 20 crores against arrears of stipends has been released to encourage the local candidates competing in civil service examination conducted by UPSC which amounts to Rs 30,000/- for qualifying preliminary and Rs 50, 000/- for clearing Mains. The Chief Minister further informed that the government has proposed for providing Rs 50 crores for 22 VKVs, Rs 10 crores for RK Mission School, Aalo and Rs 5 crore foDahung College as corpus fund. Stating that without peace, development cannot take place, the Chief Minister said that the government is taking all necessary action to stabilize law and order in the state. He said that the government is responsive to the people’s problems and informed that the change of nomenclature from Dafla to Nyishi has been resolved. Acknowledging the presence of Assam Chief Minister, Khandu hoped that the boundary dispute between the two states would be resolved to the satisfaction of both sides, while maintaining the status quo until it is resolved.
Congratulating Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu and his cabinet colleagues on the occasion, Rajya Sabha MP and former Chief Minister Mukut Mithi called for united efforts of all towards development to take the state forward on the road of progress. Giving a vivid account of the evolution process of the state since 1954, Mithi stated that although a lot of development has taken place in the state, the shortcomings in the development process required a policy strategy by the government and suggested the chalking out of specific policies and strategies to streamline the administration and other vital sectors. He strongly felt that the sincerity, honesty, zeal and commitment in the leaders of the Agency have to be revived and instilled in the present leaders for taking Arunachal Pradesh ahead on the path of development.
He informed that the state would  benefit from the growth process of the nation during the 11th Five Year plan which recorded a growth rate of 9.5 % to that of 7.2% during the 10th Five Year Plan. Emphasizing on proper implementation of PM’s package, he said ‘focus on outcome rather than outlay’ and reiterated that the progress in the social sectors and target areas need to be analyzed and monitored to ensure it’s proper implementation. While stating that Assam is making rapid strides in development under Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, Mithi urged upon the Assam Chief Minister to expedite completion of Dhola Bridge, a NEC project taken up by Assam government under State Accelerated Development Programme (SADP) to facilitate movement to Lohit and Dibang Valley districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
Earlier, Finance Minister Kalikho Pul said that the centre is giving more attention to the state which is evident from the PM’s package giving renewed hope to the government to take up development activities in different areas. Highlighting on the government’s achievements and PM’s package specifically, Pul called upon the Panchayat leaders to highlight the government’s achievements to the people during the Panchayat poll campaign scheduled to be held in May next. While informing that the welfare government would take care of the people, the Finance Minister disclosed that the government has a sum of Rs 588.85 crore cash balance in hand and added that the government’s decision to convert all plan posts to non plan post from the 7th Five Year Plan period would help in utilization of fund to developmental activities after the 13th Five Year Plan. He further sought cooperation from one and all in the endeavour of the government.
Speaking on the occasion, Legislator Kameng Dolo highlighted the contributions of the state government during the last one year and appreciated the achievements of the Chief Minister and his team for the achievements. He further urged upon the government to look into the growing unemployment problem in the state.
While welcoming one and all to the programme, Environment and Forest Minister Nabam Tuki credited the achievements made during the period to the state Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu and said that the purpose of the celebration is to reach out to the people and make them aware of the programmes and policies of the government to seek their cooperation in the development of the state.
An enthusiastic gathering of around twenty five thousand people comprising of legislators, PRI members, Gaon Buras, cultural troupe members from all the districts, government officials, and general public participated in the day-long programme.

Purabi Taikam, DIPR AP