Itanagar, May 22: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday said the proposed Institute for Transforming Arunachal Pradesh (ITA) is gradually taking shape through coordinated efforts between the state government and NITI Aayog, describing it as a significant move towards strengthening evidence-based governance and long-term development planning.
Khandu said the proposed institute is envisioned as a dedicated policy think tank designed specifically around Arunachal Pradesh’s geographical, cultural and economic realities. He noted that the initiative is expected to provide strategic guidance and help the government adopt a more data-driven approach in decision-making.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister stated that the state had long felt the need for a specialised institution capable of supporting policy formulation and long-term developmental planning suited to local conditions.
“For long, we have strongly advocated the need for a dedicated state-level policy think tank that can provide strategic direction, evidence-based policymaking and long-term developmental planning tailored to Arunachal Pradesh’s unique realities,” Khandu said.
He also acknowledged the support extended by NITI Aayog officials, including member Dr Joram Aniya and CEO Nidhi Chhibber, along with others involved in advancing the initiative.
Officials said the proposed institute is expected to serve as a research and policy support body for the state government, assisting in areas such as development monitoring, institutional strengthening, policy analysis and sustainable growth strategies.
The development comes as Arunachal Pradesh continues to focus on infrastructure expansion, tourism, hydropower, entrepreneurship and broader economic growth initiatives, while also collaborating with NITI Aayog on programmes linked to innovation, youth development and aspirational districts.
