NITI Aayog has identified Jemeithang in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district for development as a Model Village under the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP), marking a fresh push to accelerate progress in the border region.
A stakeholder consultation workshop, held near the historic Gorzam Stupa with support from the Tawang district administration and the Indian Army, brought together local representatives, officials and community stakeholders to chart a comprehensive roadmap for the initiative. The discussions centred on livelihood generation, infrastructure gaps, eco-tourism potential and community-driven development, according to an official report.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu welcomed the move, attributing the momentum to the Centre’s focus on energising frontier settlements. “Delighted to see the transformative initiative of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji taking firm roots in Arunachal Pradesh through NITI Aayog's Aspirational Blocks Programme,” he said on social media.
He noted that Jemeithang, selected under both the Aspirational Blocks Programme and the Vibrant Village initiative, is now advancing with a clear and coordinated development blueprint. “This collaborative approach truly reflects the vision of the Prime Minister for empowering border villages, ensuring last-mile delivery, and building vibrant, self-reliant Himalayan communities,” the chief minister added.
Maj Gen K Narayanan (Retd), NITI Aayog’s programme director who led the visiting team, praised Jemeithang’s “innate spirit of peace” and natural beauty, commending the younger generation for safeguarding its cultural roots. He reiterated the Aayog’s commitment to helping the village evolve into a significant tourism destination, urging villagers and stakeholders to contribute ideas for shaping its development as an Aspirational Model Village.
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Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo offered an overview of Jemeithang’s progress under the ABP framework, highlighting ongoing work with self-help groups and community institutions. She said the village is already on a positive developmental trajectory, with untapped potential in the tourism sector supported by cultural events such as the Gorzam Kora festival and heritage sites that draw pilgrims and visitors.
Dr Darpajit Sengupta, NITI Aayog’s state nodal officer, elaborated on the goals of the ABP, including its performance framework and the Aakansha initiative that focuses on targeted improvements across social and economic indicators.
Jemeithang assistant commissioner Deewan Mara presented key insights into the area’s demographic and socio-economic conditions, while Colonel HS Dhillon, deputy commander of the Jemeithang Brigade, detailed a series of Army-led community initiatives, dual-use public infrastructure plans, BRO coordination efforts and broader civil–military cooperation in the border district.
NITI Aayog non-resident fellow Dr Rajiv Bhartari underlined the need for eco-sensitive planning in the fragile Himalayan region. He emphasised watershed management, the use of local materials, and nature-based developmental approaches to ensure long-term sustainability.
Local voices, including Shocktsen village gaon bura Sangey Tsetan and youth representative Tenzin Tsongyal Gyamo, placed their inputs before the panel, stressing the need for culturally rooted development and improved connectivity.
The workshop marked a significant step towards shaping Jemeithang’s transformation into a vibrant, self-sustaining model village, reflecting a coordinated effort between the administration, armed forces, NITI Aayog and the community.
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