Northeast: Union Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, spotlighted the North East’s critical role in India’s diversity, culture, and strategic positioning during the Pre-Plenary Thematic and Technical Sessions of the 72nd North Eastern Council (NEC) Plenary Meeting in Agartala on Friday, December 20.
In his address, Dr. Majumdar emphasized the North East’s unique geographical advantage, sitting at the confluence of India, China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. “The North East is not merely a region but a testament to India’s cultural and ethnic diversity, with immense potential for regional connectivity, trade, and diplomacy,” he said.
The Minister outlined transformative measures implemented by the Ministry of DoNER under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, citing initiatives such as the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS), which provides 100% central funding for critical infrastructure and social development projects. Connectivity projects like the SARDP-NE and Bharatmala-I were also hailed as drivers of regional progress.
Acknowledging ongoing challenges, including the development of border trade routes, smart cities, digital infrastructure, agricultural industries, and sustainable farming practices, Dr. Majumdar urged collaboration to overcome these hurdles. “We must forge robust partnerships between Central Ministries and State Governments to establish an inclusive, sustainable ecosystem that reflects the aspirations of the region’s people,” he stated.
DoNER Secretary Chanchal Kumar emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing state-specific concerns, as highlighted in presentations by various Central Ministries during the sessions. These discussions focused on accelerating regional development through collaborative and targeted implementation of schemes.
NEC Secretary Angshuman Dey reinforced the significance of NEC Plenary Meetings in shaping policies and addressing region-specific challenges. The technical sessions delved into six critical sectors, including the National Palm Oil Mission, 4G Saturation Project, financial inclusion initiatives, road connectivity, and the PM Electric Drive Revolution.
As preparations for the main Plenary Session continued, Dr. Majumdar urged stakeholders to capitalize on the region’s vast potential. “The North East serves as a vital bridge between India and its neighbors, embodying unparalleled opportunities for growth and collaboration. Together, we can turn this potential into actionable progress,” he concluded.
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