Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia Emphasizes Northeast as India’s Growth Engine
The Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, recently led a Joint Media Briefing to highlight the achievements of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), the Department of Posts (DoP), and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) over the past year. The briefing showcased significant advancements in infrastructure, investment, and governance in the North Eastern Region (NER) under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Scindia emphasized the region’s transformation into a vital part of India’s growth narrative, marked by record investments and enhanced connectivity.
Historic Growth and Economic Potential
During the briefing, Shri Scindia discussed the impressive economic growth of the North Eastern Region, noting that its GDP growth has outpaced the national average over the past decade. He highlighted the region’s high literacy rates and a youthful demographic, with 70% of the population under 28 years old. This demographic advantage positions the Northeast as a potential growth engine for India. The Minister reported that MDoNER achieved its highest-ever expenditure of ₹3,447.71 crore in the fiscal year 2024-25, reflecting a remarkable 74.4% increase from the previous year and over 200% growth in three years. This financial performance underscores the Ministry’s commitment to fiscal discipline and effective project management, with 97% project inspection coverage and 91% operationalization of completed projects.
Reforms, Governance, and Institutional Strengthening
Shri Scindia outlined significant governance reforms initiated by MDoNER, including the establishment of Chief Minister-led Sectoral High-Level Task Forces across eight key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and infrastructure. These task forces aim to enhance inter-state collaboration and ensure that development efforts are integrated across the region. Additionally, the Ministry has implemented an Inter-Ministerial Facilitation Mechanism to expedite approvals for major infrastructure projects, including the expansion of Shillong Airport and the development of Kailashahar Airport in Tripura. These initiatives are crucial for strengthening the connectivity framework of the Northeast, facilitating economic growth and regional integration.
Investment and Economic Integration
The Minister also highlighted the robust investment climate fostered during the year, exemplified by the Rising North East Investors Summit 2025. This event attracted participation from numerous Chief Ministers, Union Ministers, and international ambassadors, resulting in investment commitments totaling ₹4.48 lakh crore. Furthermore, the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, which celebrated the cultural heritage of the Northeast, secured ₹2,326 crore in investment leads. The North East Banker’s Conclave in Agartala also contributed to the region’s financial landscape by facilitating the establishment of new bank branches and enhancing access to credit for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Through initiatives by the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation (NEDFi), over 5,300 MSMEs received support, mobilizing ₹766 crore for startups and enterprises.
Tourism, Connectivity, and Global Positioning
Shri Scindia emphasized MDoNER’s strategy to position the Northeast as a premier global tourism and cultural destination. The Ministry has developed a unified Brand Northeast initiative, promoting unique products and experiences from each state, such as Assam’s Muga Silk and Meghalaya’s Lakadong Turmeric. Eight iconic tourism destinations are being developed into world-class attractions through public-private partnerships, contributing to a 45% increase in rural incomes. The Minister also noted significant improvements in connectivity, with the number of airports in the Northeast rising from nine to 17 over the past 11 years. By 2029, all Northeast states are expected to be connected by rail, further integrating the region with national and international markets.
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