Shillong: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, addressed the 71st Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong today. During his speech, Shri Amit Shah emphasized the significant strides made in the Northeast region over the last decade under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Shri Shah stated that the past 10 years have witnessed unparalleled development in the Northeast, making it the most transformative period for the region since India’s independence. He attributed this progress to the creation of essential infrastructure, reducing the geographical and emotional distance between the Northeast, Delhi, and the rest of India.
Highlighting the positive impact on the region’s socio-political landscape, Shri Amit Shah noted a reduction in various challenges, including ethnic, linguistic, border, and extremist-related issues. He declared the last decade as the “Golden period of the Northeast,” asserting that the region’s importance has always been acknowledged in India.
The Union Home Minister underscored the government’s commitment to the Northeast by implementing the three mantras of ‘Act East, Act Fast, and Act First.’ He applauded the increased role and scope of the North Eastern Council under the Act East Policy, citing substantial achievements in law and order, insurgency resolution, and border management.
Shri Amit Shah pointed out the crucial role of technology, mentioning the utilization of the North-Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) for promoting technology in administration. He expressed confidence that the unique culture, language, cuisine, and natural beauty of the Northeast would significantly contribute to global tourism.
In his address, Shri Shah highlighted the government’s focus on peace and stability in the region. He released the NEC Year Book – 2024 and urged states to control the Gross Fiscal Deficit. Additionally, he emphasized creating a flood-free and drug-free Northeast, enhancing water management through NESAC, and leveraging big lakes for tourism and water systems.
Shri Shah commended the efforts to modernize the criminal justice system, with three new laws under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership. He shared statistics indicating a substantial decline in violent incidents and insurgency in the Northeast over the years.
The Union Home Minister disclosed that the Modi government had allocated Rs. 4800 crores for the Northeast for the years 2022-23 to 2025-26, witnessing a 162 percent increase in the budget. He highlighted various schemes and initiatives aimed at boosting agriculture, ropeways, edible oil mission, infrastructure development, and regional connectivity.
Shri Shah called for increased utilization of NESAC to make disaster management, water management, and administration people-oriented and modern. He lauded the government’s investments in railways, road connectivity, airports, and infrastructure expansion in the Northeast.
In conclusion, Shri Amit Shah urged the Northeast to become self-reliant in organic products, dairy farming, fishing, and egg production. He emphasized that the Northeast should set ambitious development targets, aligning with India’s vision of becoming a 5 trillion-dollar economy, ensuring the region’s complete development and self-reliance by 2047.