Arunachal Pradesh, the "Land of the Rising Sun," has a unique and fascinating history. Before attaining statehood in 1987, it was known as the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA), a politically and administratively distinct region governed by the Ministry of External Affairs through the Governor of Assam. This arrangement stemmed from the region's strategic importance and its complex ethnic diversity.
The transition from NEFA to Arunachal Pradesh marked a significant shift in its administrative and political landscape. This article delves into the key developments during its period as a Union Territory (1972-1987), focusing on the administrative structure, political evolution, and the legacy of the NEFA administration.
Administrative Developments
Shift in Control: A crucial step towards Arunachal Pradesh's autonomy was the transfer of NEFA's administrative control from the Ministry of External Affairs to the Ministry of Home Affairs in 1965. This move signaled a recognition of the region's integral role within India and paved the way for greater integration.
Reorganization and Restructuring: The North-Eastern Areas (Reorganization) Act of 1971 formally established Arunachal Pradesh as a Union Territory on January 21, 1972. This Act led to significant administrative restructuring:
Districts: The existing NEFA divisions were re-designated as districts, and Political Officers were replaced by Deputy Commissioners, aligning the administrative structure with other Indian territories.
Chief Commissioner: A Chief Commissioner, appointed by the President of India, headed the administration, replacing the Governor of Assam's role.
Agency Council: An Agency Council was established in 1972 with advisory functions, providing a platform for local participation in governance.
Evolution of Governance: The Union Territory Act of 1963 was extended to Arunachal Pradesh in 1975, leading to the creation of a Provisional Legislative Assembly and the replacement of the Chief Commissioner with a Lieutenant Governor. This marked a significant step towards self-governance.
Political Developments
Emergence of Political Parties: The transition to Union Territory status opened the doors for political mobilization and the formation of political parties. The Indian National Congress initially dominated the political landscape.
First Elections: The first elections to the 30-member Pradesh Council were held in 1978. While the Janata Party, led by P.K. Thungon, won this election, the Congress returned to power in 1980 with Gegong Apang becoming the Chief Minister.
Demand for Statehood: Throughout its time as a Union Territory, there was a growing movement advocating for full statehood. This demand was rooted in the desire for greater autonomy and control over local resources and development.
Role of NEFA Administration
The NEFA administration played a pivotal role in shaping the foundation for Arunachal Pradesh's future. Despite its limitations, it contributed to:
Maintaining Peace and Security: The NEFA administration, often through its Political Officers, ensured the region remained relatively peaceful and stable, especially given its sensitive border location.
Development Initiatives: Though limited in scope, the administration undertook initiatives in infrastructure development, education, and healthcare, laying the groundwork for future progress.
Cultural Preservation: Recognizing the region's rich cultural diversity, the NEFA administration took steps to protect and preserve indigenous cultures and traditions.
Challenges and Legacy
The transition from NEFA to Arunachal Pradesh was not without its challenges. Issues such as limited infrastructure, inadequate resource allocation, and the complex ethnic dynamics posed significant hurdles. However, the NEFA administration's legacy, along with the subsequent administrative and political developments during the Union Territory period, laid the foundation for Arunachal Pradesh's eventual statehood and its journey towards greater autonomy and development