In Shillong, Amit Shah explains what Modi govt did for Northeast economy

Shillong: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday announced the centre's significant financial injection of Rs 4,800 crores for the years 2022–23 to 2025–26, marking a 162 percent increase in the budget. Shah has estimated that 13 lakh people in the Northeast will be employed amid growth in sectors such as organic products, dairy farming, fishing, and egg production.

During the 71st Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong, Shah urged all states to manage Gross Fiscal Deficit effectively, commending Manipur, Assam, Nagaland, and Tripura for exemplary efforts in this regard. The Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE) received a noteworthy allocation of Rs 1,500 crores for 2022–23 and Rs 6,600 crores for 2025–26.

The Department for Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER) witnessed a remarkable 153 percent increase in its budget. As part of the National Edible Oil Mission, Rs. 234 crores were dedicated solely to the Northeast, prioritizing palm oil cultivation.

Additionally, the Special Infrastructure Development Plan of Northeast secured approval for 32 projects valued at Rs 1,713 crore. North Eastern Development Finance Corporation achieved substantial milestones, with schemes worth Rs 5,490 crore approved from January 2023 to December 2023.

Under the SAMBHAV scheme, efforts are underway to provide essential facilities to 75 Gram Panchayats and councils across 42 districts in 8 states.

In a strategic move, an inter-ministerial task force has been established for agriculture, focusing on eight ropeways under the National Ropeway Development Programme. 

Emphasizing flood and drug-free goals, Shah proposed creating expansive lakes to absorb rainwater, enhancing tourism, and fortifying water management through the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC).  Shah emphasized the integration of technology through NESAC, foreseeing the rich cultural tapestry, scenic beauty, and indigenous offerings propelling the Northeast into a global tourism hotspot.

Amit Shah highlighted the pivotal role of the NEC over its 50-year existence, fostering a policy-related platform for states and streamlining solutions to regional challenges. Over this period, the region witnessed the construction of over 12,000 kilometers of roads, the establishment of 700 MW power plants, and the creation of national excellence institutes under NEC guidance.