From NEFA to a State of 27 districts: how Arunachal Pradesh took its present shape
Background
This background sits behind the hydropower and highway decisions now being taken for Arunachal Pradesh, all of which are decisions of a full State.
The area was known as the North-East Frontier Agency, or NEFA, until 1972.
In 1972 it became a Union Territory and was renamed Arunachal Pradesh.
It attained full statehood on February 20, 1987, which is observed as its Statehood Day.
The State has 27 districts.
It is home to over 100 tribes and sub-tribes, and the main State celebration of Statehood Day is held at IG Park in Itanagar, with the Governor as Chief Guest.
Former name:
North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA)
Became a Union Territory:
1972
Statehood:
February 20, 1987
Districts:
27
Tribes and sub-tribes:
over 100
Why it matters for exams: The NEFA-to-State sequence, the district count and the tribe count are the three facts most asked about this State.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
NEFA North-East Frontier Agency — The name borne by the territory now called Arunachal Pradesh until 1972.