PM Modi in Itanagar: A Historic Day for Arunachal Pradesh
Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh: September 22, 2025, marked a landmark day for Arunachal Pradesh and India’s economy as Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the GST Bachat Utsav alongside inaugurating development works worth more than ₹5,100 crore. The Prime Minister’s visit coincided with the first day of Navratri, making the occasion doubly significant for citizens across the country.
Addressing a large gathering in Itanagar, the Prime Minister emphasized that Arunachal Pradesh is not only the Land of the Rising Sun but also a land of patriotism, peace, and culture. He hailed the people of Arunachal as symbols of valour and simplicity and extended reverence to the Almighty Donyi Polo, seeking blessings for prosperity.
As the sun rose today, so did a new chapter in India’s economic journey, with the start of GST Bachat Utsav. And, what better place to be than Arunachal Pradesh, India’s beautiful Land of the Rising Sun.
In Itanagar, I met local traders and retailers who showcased a vibrant… pic.twitter.com/wqFWGPISkr
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2025
GST Reforms: A Simplified Structure for Growth
The Prime Minister formally announced the implementation of next-generation GST reforms, replacing the earlier four-slab structure with a simplified two-tier system of 5% and 18%, while maintaining a 40% rate on luxury and sin goods. He explained that the new structure would reduce the tax burden on households, make essential goods more affordable, and empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
During his interaction with local traders and artisans in Itanagar, Modi highlighted how the reforms will encourage domestic consumption and ease of doing business. He distributed posters with the slogan “Garv Se Kaho, Yeh Swadeshi Hai”, urging citizens to proudly support indigenous products. Traders expressed their happiness, showcasing local items such as aromatic teas, turmeric, pickles, bakery products, and handicrafts.
Development Works Worth Over ₹5,100 Crore
Alongside the GST launch, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for a series of projects designed to transform the state’s infrastructure and economy.
Two major hydroelectric projects—the Heo Hydro Electric Project (240 MW) and the Tato-I Hydro Electric Project (186 MW)—were announced, with a combined investment of over ₹3,700 crore. These projects are expected to harness Arunachal’s hydro potential, generate employment, and supply affordable electricity.
A state-of-the-art Convention Centre at Tawang, with a capacity of 1,500 delegates, was also launched. This facility, located at an altitude of nearly 10,000 feet, is set to boost conference tourism and cultural exchanges in the region.
Other infrastructure projects worth ₹1,290 crore were also unveiled, covering connectivity, healthcare, fire safety, and women’s empowerment through working women hostels. The Prime Minister highlighted that such initiatives will enhance ease of living, improve access to services, and expand economic opportunities.
Northeast as India’s Growth Engine
Calling the Northeast the Ashtalakshmi of India, PM Modi reaffirmed his government’s commitment to accelerating development in the region. He noted that while Arunachal Pradesh was neglected in the past, the current administration has significantly increased allocations, with the state receiving more than ₹1 lakh crore from central taxes over the past decade—16 times higher than the previous regime.
He emphasized that connectivity projects like highways, tunnels, and airports are bridging distances and boosting tourism. The Hollongi Airport terminal, now offering direct flights to Delhi, was cited as a key step in supporting local industries and farmers.
The Prime Minister also underlined the success of the Vibrant Villages Programme, which is transforming border villages once considered “last villages” into “first villages.” In Arunachal alone, more than 450 villages have gained access to roads, electricity, and internet, reversing migration and opening new opportunities for tourism.
Relief for Citizens and Commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat
Highlighting his government’s citizen-centric approach, Modi pointed out that essential goods, education supplies, and daily-use items would now be cheaper under the new GST system. He also reminded people that income up to ₹12 lakh has been made tax-free, in contrast to the pre-2014 era when even ₹2 lakh annual income was taxed.
He urged citizens to embrace Swadeshi products as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, stressing that self-reliance and indigenous production would drive India’s journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047. “Say with pride, this is Swadeshi,” he declared, calling on every household to contribute to the nation’s progress.
Conclusion
The day’s events in Itanagar showcased a blend of economic reforms, infrastructure growth, and cultural pride. With the launch of the GST Bachat Utsav and the inauguration of transformative projects, PM Modi underlined that Arunachal Pradesh and the entire Northeast will continue to play a pivotal role as India strides confidently towards its development goals.
