Guwahati, 27th July: Union Minister for Communications and DoNER, Jyotiraditya Scindia, unveiled a series of significant initiatives to boost development and provide disaster relief in the Northeast during a press conference in Guwahati.
Highlighting the central government’s commitment, Scindia announced a substantial allocation of Rs 11,000 crore specifically for flood relief in Assam and Sikkim. He emphasized the remarkable growth in the region’s infrastructure under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, noting, “In the last 75 years, the Northeast was neglected, but PM Modi has turned it into India’s growth engine.”
Scindia pointed out that the number of airports in the Northeast has nearly doubled from 9 to 17, with three new airports constructed in Arunachal Pradesh alone. Under the ambitious Purvoday initiative, which envisions the Northeast as India’s sunrise region, the government has made substantial investments. The budget for the Ministry of DoNER has increased significantly from Rs 1,750 crore during the Congress regime to Rs 6,000 crore under the current administration.
The Union Minister also highlighted the substantial increase in financial support to Assam. “During PM Modi’s tenure, the tax devolution to Assam has increased to Rs 2.30 lakh crore, nearly four times the amount given from 2004 to 2014,” he stated.
In addition to flood management funds, Scindia announced the establishment of 100 new post offices across the Northeast, reflecting the government’s focus on enhancing connectivity and services. He mentioned the development of South Asia’s largest cancer hospital network in Assam, with seven new hospitals, and the upcoming first AIIMS in Guwahati.
Other notable projects include the first national data center in the Northeast, to be set up in Assam, and a Rs 27,000 crore semiconductor unit, poised to transform the region’s technological landscape. Furthermore, the central government has allocated Rs 10,000 crore for railway development in 2024-2025, with 70 km of new tracks being laid in Assam.
Reflecting on past delays, Scindia pointed out the timely completion of key projects like the Bogibeel Bridge and the Bhupen Hazarika Setu, both inaugurated under PM Modi’s tenure.
Scindia reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming the Northeast into a hub of growth and development, ensuring it remains at the forefront of India’s progress.