Shillong, June 4: The North Eastern region has witnessed systematic infrastructure development over the past 12 years with improved rail, road, and air connectivity, bringing Delhi closer to the region, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said while attending the 73rd Plenary of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong on Thursday.
Crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the changed scenario, Shah said Modi has not only reduced the geographical distance between Delhi and the North East but also bridged the emotional distance between the people of the region and the rest of the country.
He said the Prime Minister has worked with complete commitment and sensitivity for this vast region through a Whole-of-Government Approach. He stated that over the past 12 years, the diversity of the North East has emerged as a major strength before the world.
Shah said today, the entire world recognizes the North East as an opportunity hotspot. He noted that while the region was once known primarily for its conflicts, it is now recognized for its spirit of coexistence and harmony.
The Home Minister further said that it is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to preserve and strengthen the rich diversity of the North East, which is home to more than 200 tribal groups, over 195 dialects, and a wide range of cultures, cuisines, and traditional attire.
Shah emphasized that by revitalizing and nurturing this shared cultural heritage, the vision of Ashtalakshmi envisioned by Prime Minister Modi can be translated into reality on the ground.
He said the Government has been successful in translating the principles of “Act East, Act Fast, and Act First” into reality on the ground. He emphasized that the North East has not been left to fend for itself, and that its development has been pursued through a focused and committed approach.
Shah stated that development cannot be achieved through budgetary allocations alone; it also requires a clear vision, sound planning, and meticulous monitoring of implementation. He said all these elements have been effectively pursued during the 12 years of the Modi Government.
He further noted that the entire North East has progressed by overcoming the challenges of establishing peace and stability, initiating prosperity and development, and preserving its unique cultural identity.
Shah said the important report of the High-Level Task Force on the development, prosperity, and preservation of the cultural identity of the North East is akin to a guiding scripture.
He urged the states to utilize all budgetary provisions available under various parameters and work towards achieving 100 per cent implementation of the recommendations contained in the report.
He emphasized that the future priorities of the North East should now be shaped on the basis of this report.
He said through the Rising North East Investment Summit, all eight North Eastern states can benefit from the establishment of ancillary industries linked to major industrial investments, particularly by locating such units in the smaller states of the region.
He noted that, apart from the investments committed during Assam’s Investment Summit, the North East has attracted investments worth approximately Rs 4.25 lakh crore, reflecting the strong focus on industrial development in the region.
He highlighted that major projects such as the semiconductor plant being established in Assam with an investment of around Rs 27,000 crore, the development of the North East as a healthcare hub for the region and several neighbouring eastern countries, and the Namrup Ammonia-Urea Complex aimed at reducing logistics costs, have accelerated development across several North Eastern states.
He said that the Single Window Clearance mechanism should not remain merely a concept on paper, and that its implementation should be reviewed on a monthly basis by the Chief Ministers and Governors of all the North Eastern states.
He emphasized that the development of Guwahati, Imphal, and Agartala as multimodal logistics hubs should be completed within stipulated timelines through continuous monitoring.
He further stated that all North Eastern states should strive to become self-reliant in the production of fish, eggs, and milk, and should aim to supply surplus production to other parts of the country.
The Home Minister said the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Cooperation, is initiating a renewed effort in the region.
He informed that a target has been set to supply more than 50,000 milch animals annually to the North Eastern states through NDDB from the next financial year onwards, along with the creation of a robust cooperative framework for milk collection and marketing.
Shah added that improving infrastructure connectivity, promoting planned and integrated urbanization, and developing 15 high-potential sectors should remain key focus areas for all the states in the North East.
The Home Minister said water resources and natural wealth play a vital role in any model of development, and that the North Eastern states are richly endowed with both.
He emphasized that the NEC should not function merely as a platform for the distribution of funds, but should evolve into an institution for strategic planning and long-term regional development.
He said the Government aims to enhance the utilization of human resources across states and that this objective can be effectively achieved throughout the North East through connectivity and coordination via West Bengal.
He further stated that the Government has opened a major gateway for trade across the eastern region through the Sabroom Land Port.
The Home Minister said the North East is now prepared to expand trade and economic engagement with Southeast Asian countries and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Shah said more than 200 tribal communities and over 200 languages and dialects of the North East must be preserved.
He noted that the region has, for thousands of years, fostered coexistence among diverse communities, and that this diversity must be transformed into a source of strength.
The Home Minister emphasized that the loss of even a single language or dialect from the North East would constitute a significant loss for the nation.
Shah urged all the states in the region to work with dedication and commitment to preserve the unique identity of the North East, stating that this cultural richness can become one of the region’s greatest strengths.
The Home Minister said under the PM-DevINE scheme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved cluster projects worth Rs 65 crore in Assam and Tripura, and that these initiatives should be developed as model projects for the region.
Shah further stated that around 215 crops and products from the North East are currently potential contenders for Geographical Indication (GI) tags.
He suggested that each state should establish a dedicated task force to continuously monitor and facilitate the entire process of obtaining GI tags.
Shah also said that the North East is the ideal destination for the Healing India Mission, and called upon all states in the region to formulate comprehensive policies for wellness infrastructure and health tourism, leveraging the region’s natural advantages and rich traditional knowledge systems.
The meeting was attended by DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Meghalaya Governor CH Vijayashankar, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, MoS DoNER Sukanta Majumdar besides Governors and Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Sikkim.
