Most accounts and discussions about the Northeast point out its diversity in people, flora-fauna, vibrant culture, rich natural resources, especially water and forests. Given this richness and vibrancy there is a feeling that the region could potentially be one of the wealthiest regions of India. Over the past decades, economic development,
population growth, growing educational opportunities, commercialization of livelihoods, and increasing interactions between the northeastern people, peninsular India, and the south-eastern neighbors have started to change the region's social and economic fabric and the outlook on development challenges. 
         Yet several indicators reveal not so rosy a picture:in spite of some progress in a few of the northeastern states overall growth rates over the past years have remained low, poverty incidence is high, there are still a number of areas subject to continued violence. Several reports document natural resource degradation, depleting the very assets that are usually highlighted as offering the greatest potential for growth and
development in the Region. Thus, in recent years, the region has missed out on the economic growth acceleration witnessed in much of India.
         Yojana magazine has been documenting the complex unravelling of development trajectories in the North east region for the past three years. In this special annual issue, we focus on Arunachal Pradesh as part of our ongoing series.
         Arunachal, also called ‘The land of dawnlit mountains’, is literally a bit of paradise on earth covering an area of 83,743 sq. km. Evergreen forest covers more than sixty percent of the state which also boasts of numerous turbulent streams, roaring rivers, deep gorges, lofty mountains, snow-clad shining peaks, hundreds and thousands of species of flora and fauna. Its endless variations of scenic beauty are the first to greet sunrise in the country. Once described as the "Hidden Land" it has now opened its doors to outsiders. Prime Minister’s maiden visit to the State in January 2008 also brought Arunachal Pradesh into limelight.