Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik (Retd.) on Wednesday, 5 August inaugurated the new Governor Secretariat Building at Lok Bhavan in Itanagar, declaring that the state has made remarkable strides in development and reaffirming that the institution would remain open to citizens, students, farmers, entrepreneurs, artists, and civil society representatives. Chief Minister Pema Khandu and senior state government officials were present at the ceremony.

Dedication to the People of Arunachal Pradesh

Dedicating the new structure to the people of the state, Governor Parnaik said that Lok Bhavan truly belongs to the people of Arunachal Pradesh and must be regarded as a house of the people. He emphasised that the institution serves as a platform for dialogue, cultural exchange, youth engagement, and public outreach — bringing governance closer to every citizen.

He added that every visitor to Lok Bhavan should feel a sense of pride and ownership, as the building represents the collective hopes, achievements, and rich cultural heritage of the state.

Infrastructure Milestone and Architectural Significance

The new Governor Secretariat Building was constructed at a cost of ₹10.90 crore by the Public Works Department (PWD). The facility is equipped with CCTV-based security surveillance to ensure safety, comfort, and accessibility, while also enhancing administrative efficiency and service delivery.

Governor Parnaik praised the building's architectural grandeur and quality, noting that Arunachal Pradesh is steadily setting new benchmarks in public infrastructure. He cited the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly and the High Court complex as landmark structures that have earned widespread appreciation for their design, utility, and symbolic significance — reflecting the state's growing aspirations and commitment to good governance.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu's Remarks

Chief Minister Pema Khandu described Lok Bhavan as a symbol of inclusiveness and people-centric governance. He said the institution has consistently served as a common platform fostering unity, understanding, and a shared sense of belonging across regions, communities, and cultures.

Khandu noted that Lok Bhavan has successfully bridged geographical distances and cultural diversity, creating opportunities for dialogue, mutual respect, and collective progress — a particularly significant achievement given Arunachal Pradesh's challenging terrain and ethnic plurality.

Broader Context: Governance Outreach in a Border State

This comes amid sustained efforts by the state government to strengthen institutional infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh, which shares sensitive international borders with China and Bhutan. Investments in governance infrastructure carry strategic weight beyond administrative utility. Notably, the inauguration underscores a broader push to make government institutions more accessible in a state where remote communities have historically faced barriers to civic participation.

With the new secretariat building now operational, Lok Bhavan is expected to further consolidate its role as a hub for public engagement and administrative outreach in the state's capital.