Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while addressing the 72nd North Eastern Council (NEC) Plenary at Pragna Bhavan in Agartala, laid out an ambitious and comprehensive plan to ensure inclusive and holistic development of Northeast India. Highlighting the region’s strategic importance, Shah assured full support from the Union Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership to make the Northeast a hub of economic and cultural prosperity.
Focused Government Initiatives
Shah began by underlining Prime Minister Modi’s unwavering commitment to the Northeast, citing key government schemes and their transformative impact. He announced an increase in the allocation for the PM-DevINE scheme from ₹6,600 crore to ₹9,000 crore, aimed at accelerating critical infrastructure projects. Shah noted that over 111 projects are being implemented in the region across diverse sectors, including roads, power, education, healthcare, sports infrastructure, and tourism.
The Union Home Minister emphasized that the Northeast’s budget allocation has grown by 153% since 2014-15, demonstrating the government’s focused approach to regional development. He also lauded the Northeast’s potential to become a key player in India’s growth story and a model of sustainable development.
Boosting Connectivity
Shah presented a detailed roadmap for enhancing connectivity, identifying it as a vital component of the Northeast’s progress. He revealed that ₹81,000 crore has been earmarked for rail connectivity projects and ₹41,000 crore for road infrastructure. The Minister noted that 64 new air routes have already been introduced, connecting remote areas to major cities, with pending projects expected to be completed in three years.
Shah urged the states to maximize the use of the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) to leverage technology for planning and executing development initiatives. He stressed that improved connectivity is a non-negotiable requirement for unlocking the region’s economic potential.
Semiconductor Industry Milestone
In a landmark announcement, Shah revealed the Union Cabinet’s decision to establish three semiconductor units in the Northeast, marking a new chapter in the region’s industrial development. One of these units, Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Private Limited, will be set up in Assam with an investment of ₹27,000 crore. This project is expected to generate 20,000 direct and 60,000 indirect jobs, making it the largest single investment in the region.
To ensure the youth are prepared for opportunities in the semiconductor sector, Shah stated that specialized courses are being developed in collaboration with local universities. These courses will align with the growing demand for skilled professionals in the semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem.
Focus on Self-Reliance and Organic Farming
Shah emphasized the importance of self-reliance in essential commodities like milk, vegetables, eggs, fish, and meat, describing it as critical for individual and village-level development. Highlighting the region’s natural aptitude for organic farming, he urged states to join the National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) to help farmers access global markets.
The government plans to establish organic certification labs in every state, with district-level facilities in larger states like Assam. Shah noted that branding organic products under established names such as Amul and Bharat could significantly enhance their global reach and economic value.
Agriculture and Mission Palm Oil
Shah underscored the potential of the Northeast to contribute significantly to India’s edible oil self-sufficiency under Mission Palm Oil. He announced plans to set up 10 new oil mills in the region to boost local production and reduce dependency on imports. This initiative, he said, would create substantial employment opportunities and generate additional income for farmers.
Flood Management and Technological Innovations
Addressing the region’s perennial flood issues, Shah proposed innovative solutions using technology. He advocated creating reservoirs and large ponds to divert floodwaters, a model successfully piloted in Assam with 15 experimental ponds. These initiatives, he said, can simultaneously support flood prevention, agriculture, and tourism.
Shah also stressed the importance of using technology to reduce corruption and enhance governance efficiency through Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT). He cited technology’s role in minimizing bureaucratic delays and ensuring transparency in developmental projects.
Cultural Preservation and Diversity
Shah reiterated the significance of preserving the Northeast’s rich cultural diversity, arts, literature, and languages. He called for concerted efforts to document, promote, and integrate the region’s cultural heritage into the broader narrative of India’s identity. “The Northeast is a cultural treasure, and its preservation is vital for the nation’s unity and diversity,” Shah remarked.
Vision for 2047
Concluding his address, Shah shared an optimistic vision for the Northeast, expressing confidence that the region would emerge as India’s most prosperous by 2047, coinciding with the centenary of India’s independence. He emphasized that balanced development across individuals, villages, and states is key to achieving this milestone.
Shah called on all stakeholders—governors, chief ministers, bureaucrats, and citizens—to work collectively in realizing the government’s vision for the Northeast. He reaffirmed the Modi government’s commitment to addressing the region’s unique challenges and unlocking its full potential.
The plenary session witnessed active participation from governors, chief ministers, and senior officials from all eight Northeastern states, setting the stage for collaborative efforts toward a brighter future for the region.
