Itanagar: The Arunachal Pradesh cabinet has approved SGST reimbursement concessions for two major hydropower projects to improve their financial viability, according to a statement released on Thursday.
In its first meeting of the year, chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the state cabinet granted State GST (SGST) relief to the 700 MW Tato II Hydroelectric Project on the Siyom river in Shi Yomi district and the 1,720 MW Kamala Hydroelectric Project on the Kamala river in Kamle district.
The projects, which will be developed through joint ventures between the state government and CPSUs, will see the state government holding a 26% equity stake.
These initiatives will require a combined investment of approximately Rs 35,000 crore.
Once completed, the projects are expected to generate nearly Rs 470 crore in free power for the state and Rs 79 crore annually through local area development funds.
Both projects are part of the 13 large stalled initiatives revitalised by the state government in 2023 through agreements with four CPSUs.
Additionally, the cabinet made several important decisions to enhance infrastructure, governance, and public service delivery across Arunachal Pradesh.
The cabinet approved a policy for the restoration of large hydropower projects that were previously terminated under special circumstances.
This policy aims to restart projects that had made significant progress before termination, fostering a development-focused environment, encouraging investment, and creating job opportunities.
The cabinet also recommended to the Centre the establishment of a 100-seat medical college and a 420-bed hospital in Namsai under the aspirational district program.
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The project, planned under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, will help address the region’s gaps in healthcare services and medical education, with a total estimated cost of Rs 375 crore.
Furthermore, the cabinet approved the upgradation of 20 junior engineer (civil) posts in the Hydropower Development Department to assistant surveyor of works (ASW) and assistant engineer (civil) posts to ensure adequate staffing at the divisional and district levels.
Approval was also granted for the creation of 36 posts in the Land Management Department, including one Group A, 15 Group B, and 20 Group C positions.
In addition, 32 teaching and non-teaching posts were approved for the Government Engineering College in Tezu, Lohit district.
