Itanagar, Oct 7 (NationPress) The cabinet of Arunachal Pradesh, led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, has officially sanctioned the establishment of two Joint Venture Companies (JVCs) to facilitate the initiation of seven significant hydropower projects within the state, as confirmed by officials.

An official from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) stated that NHPC-Arunachal Green Energy Limited will be created for the Kamala 1720 MW and Subansiri Upper 1605 MW capacity hydropower stations. Meanwhile, the NEEPCO-Arunachal Hydro Power Corporation Limited will be set up for the Tato I, Tato II, Heo, Naying, and Hirong energy projects. These efforts are crucial for achieving the Decade of Hydro Power (2025-2035), which aims for a capacity of 19 GW, attracting investments, generating employment, and aiding India's net-zero objectives.

On September 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Arunachal Pradesh and laid the groundwork for two major hydro power initiatives with a combined generation capacity of 426 MW, both to be implemented by the state-owned North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO).

The projects comprise the Heo Hydro Electric Project (240 MW) and the Tato-I Hydro Electric Project (186 MW), both of which are part of the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited's wholly owned subsidiary.

As per the official, these twin power projects, with a projected cost exceeding Rs 3,700 crore, are being developed by NEEPCO in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh government.

The Heo Hydro Electric Project (3x80 MW), situated in the Siyom sub-basin of Shi Yomi district, is expected to produce around 1000 MUs annually, while the Tato-I Hydro Electric Project (3x62 MW) will yield approximately 803 MUs each year.

The cabinet meeting on Tuesday took place in Miao, Changlang District, rather than the capital city, Itanagar, as part of the government’s initiative of 'Cabinet Aapke Dwar' (cabinet at your doorstep).

During this meeting, the Cabinet made several significant policy and administrative decisions aimed at enhancing governance, fostering inclusive education, improving service delivery, and accelerating the state's socio-economic development, according to the CMO official.

To streamline the Gram Panchayat elections, the government has resolved to amend the rules governing these elections.

The official noted that according to the cabinet’s resolution, rules will be established that allow for the rejection of nomination papers if the election agent holds any position of profit. Additionally, polling agents must arrive at polling stations one hour prior to the commencement of the polls, and provisions have been made for using EVMs in panchayat elections. The Deputy Commissioner of districts will have the authority to address complaints involving a Member of the Zilla Parishad (ZP) and Gram Panchayat (GP) made by their respective parties, and any member of ZP/GP engaging in anti-party activities will be subject to disqualification.

Furthermore, provisions for NOTA (None of the Above) will be introduced in Zilla Parishad Elections.

The cabinet also endorsed amendments to Section 11 of the Arunachal Pradesh Salaries, Allowances, and Pension of Legislative Assembly Act, 1983, which will provide pension benefits of Rs 60,000 per month to former Council Members and Ex-MLAs who have served either full or partial terms, as per the CMO official.