Cabinet Allocates ₹7,834 Crore for Infrastructure and Education Initiatives

Itanagar, India Jul 18, 2026 ALN: ITANAGAR, 17 Jul: The Cabinet convened on Friday to approve a significant budget of ₹7,834 crore aimed at improving infrastructure, education, and employment opportunities across the state. The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, also included the decision to reserve 20% of posts in uniformed services for former Agniveers.

The allocation of funds is a crucial step towards addressing the pressing needs of the state, particularly in areas such as transportation, education, and energy, which are vital for the overall development and economic growth of . The decision to reserve positions for Agniveers reflects a broader commitment to integrating youth who have served in the armed forces back into civilian life, providing them with opportunities in various state services.

The Cabinet allocated ₹2,334 crore for the second phase of the Chief Minister Comprehensive State Road Development Plan. This initiative focuses on enhancing road connectivity in district headquarters and alleviating congestion in the capital region. Improved road infrastructure is essential in a geographically diverse state like , where many areas are remote and can be challenging to access. An official statement highlighted that under the first phase of this initiative, 67 road and bridge projects were sanctioned during the period from 2019 to 2024, with 62 of them already completed. The Cabinet has mandated that the remaining projects be finalized by March 2027, indicating a strategic approach to ensure timely completion and effective use of allocated resources.

In addition to road development, ₹2,000 crore was earmarked for the Chief Minister Comprehensive State Rural Road Development Programme. This program aims to provide all-weather road connectivity to areas not currently served by the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, which is a central government initiative aimed at improving rural road infrastructure across India. By enhancing connectivity in rural areas, the state government seeks to foster economic development, improve access to education and healthcare, and ultimately uplift living standards.

Modernizing the power infrastructure is also a significant focus of the Cabinet's initiatives. The Cabinet sanctioned ₹2,000 crore under the Chief Minister Comprehensive State Power Development Programme. This initiative aims to enhance the reliability of electricity supply and reduce aggregate technical and commercial losses to 18% by March 2029. Reliable electricity is crucial for both residential and commercial sectors, and reducing losses in the power supply chain is essential for improving the financial health of state utilities. The emphasis on power development aligns with the broader national goal of ensuring 24/7 electricity access for all citizens.

Furthermore, the Cabinet approved a 20% reservation for retired Agniveers in various posts within the state police, Indian Reserve Battalion, fire and emergency services, and other related positions. The Agniveer scheme, initiated by the central government in 2022, recruits youth aged between 17.5 and 21 years into the armed forces for a four-year tenure, which includes military training and active service. This move is seen as a way to honor the service of these young individuals while also addressing the manpower needs of the state in critical areas such as law enforcement and emergency services.

To bolster educational infrastructure, ₹1,500 crore was allocated for phase two of Mission Shikshit for the years 2026-29. This initiative aims to address infrastructure gaps in schools, enhance teacher training, and improve real-time monitoring through the Vidya Nidhi platform. It was reported that ₹3,112.50 crore has already been invested in the first phase of the mission from 2023 to 2026. The objective of Mission Shikshit is to bridge all school infrastructure gaps by 2029, ensure a balanced student-teacher ratio, comply with the National Education Policy 2020, and enhance learning outcomes. Education is a cornerstone for sustainable development, and the government's investment in this sector reflects a commitment to improving the quality of education and ensuring that all children have access to adequate learning facilities.

Additionally, the Cabinet introduced the Chief Minister’s Frontier Sainik School Scholarship scheme, aimed at financially supporting students enrolled in eight designated Sainik Schools and the Rashtriya Indian Military College in Dehradun. This initiative is part of a broader effort to encourage students to pursue careers in the armed forces. An Indian Army-led coaching and mentorship program was also approved to assist students in gaining admission to Sainik and military schools, guiding them towards careers as officers in the armed forces. Such initiatives not only provide educational support but also instill a sense of discipline and patriotism among the youth.

In a further effort to support local businesses, the ARUN MSME Mission was approved to aid the revival and capacity enhancement of 500 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) annually. This mission will facilitate market linkages, capacity building, and export assistance to promote entrepreneurship and employment. MSMEs are crucial for economic development, contributing significantly to job creation and the overall economic landscape. By focusing on this sector, the government aims to stimulate local economies and empower small businesses to thrive.

The Cabinet also unveiled the Human Capital and Economic Transformation Vision 2036, which aims to develop skills for one lakh youths. This vision includes establishing 100 industry partnerships and upgrading all 10 Industrial Training Institutes in the state into modern skill hubs and centers of excellence. Skill development is essential for enhancing employability and ensuring that the youth are equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly changing job market. The emphasis on industry partnerships indicates a forward-thinking approach to education and training, aligning skills development with the needs of employers.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved the Apiculture and Honey Policy, 2026, which focuses on developing a sustainable and commercially viable beekeeping sector. This policy aims to promote apiculture as a means of enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting rural livelihoods. Beekeeping not only contributes to biodiversity but also provides an additional source of income for farmers, thereby supporting economic diversification in rural areas.

Amendments to the Staff Selection Board Rules, 2018, were also approved, increasing the reserved or wait list for each category to 20% of vacancies or five candidates, whichever is higher, compared to the previous limit of 10% or two names. The validity of the wait list will now extend from six months to one year. These changes are expected to enhance transparency and fairness in the recruitment process, ensuring that more candidates have the opportunity to secure employment in state services.

Lastly, the Cabinet approved a common examination scheme for direct recruitment to Group A and B technical posts and authorized the creation of 36 assistant sub-inspector posts under the 1st and 2nd Armed Police Battalions, along with special grade designations for various posts within the prisons and correctional administration. This comprehensive approach to recruitment and personnel management is aimed at strengthening the state's administrative capabilities and ensuring that the public service is equipped to meet the challenges of governance and public safety.