GUWAHATI: Union minister for communications and development of north eastern region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia expressed optimism about the North East’s economic future, stating that the policies implemented by the central government over the past 11 years are set to make the region a significant engine for India’s growth.
Addressing an audience at IIT-Guwahati after inaugurating the North Eastern Science & Technology (NEST) cluster, Scindia remarked, “The NE region would be the engine of India’s growth. Today the government at Centre stands with you hand in hand to lead that development push forward.” The NEST cluster aims to cultivate a strong science and technology ecosystem within the region to spur innovation-led development.
Scindia further noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has referred to the northeastern states, including Sikkim, as India’s ‘Asta Lakshmi’, recognizing their vibrant diversity and untapped potential. He emphasized the significant shift in the region’s perception and reality, stating, “The area for 65 years had been known to be landlocked. But the PM has changed that paradigm from landlocked to land-linked. The NE region can become our bridge to the South East Asian region.”
He attributed this transformation to the ‘Act East, Act Fast, and Act First’ strategy, which has helped unleash the capabilities of the eight northeastern states. Citing infrastructure advancements, Scindia highlighted that the region’s national highway network has increased by 6,500 km in the last 11 years, adding to the existing 10,000 km. Furthermore, the number of airports has grown from just 9 to 17 in the same period.
“The NE is no longer the periphery of India. You are the pivot for our country,” Scindia concluded, underscoring the region’s central role in India’s development narrative during his four-day visit.