Arunachal passes ₹36,607 crore budget, focus on development and infrastructure
The Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Thursday approved the state’s ₹36,607 crore budget for the financial year 2026–27 by voice vote after a two-day discussion in the House.
The budget was presented earlier by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein , who also holds the Finance, Planning and Investment portfolios . The financial plan focuses on strengthening infrastructure, expanding social welfare programmes and improving governance across the state.
The total outlay of ₹36,607 crore is ₹3,235 crore lower than last year’s budget of ₹39,842 crore , reflecting an 8.1 per cent decline . The government has projected a deficit of ₹701.43 crore for the upcoming fiscal year.
Explaining the reduction, Mein told the Assembly that the smaller budget size was largely due to lower allocations from the Centre following the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission , which determines the distribution of central funds among states.
Despite the decline in the overall budget, the government has prioritised several sectors including health, education, livelihoods, connectivity, safety, culture and governance .
The deputy chief minister said the government plans to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and gradually address manpower shortages in hospitals and health centres . The education sector will also see initiatives aimed at improving facilities and policies to strengthen the system.
The budget also focuses on livelihood generation and economic growth , particularly for rural communities, while emphasising improvements in road networks and connectivity , especially in remote regions.
Mein said the financial plan has been designed so that over 16 lakh residents of Arunachal Pradesh benefit from one or more government initiatives .
Following the passage of the budget, funds will now be allocated to departments to continue ongoing schemes and new development projects , with the Assembly ultimately approving the financial plan by voice vote .