Scindia Inaugurates North Eastern Science & Technology Cluster at IIT Guwahati, Lays Foundation for ₹635 Crore Projects in Assam

Guwahati: Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, inaugurated the North Eastern Science & Technology (NEST) Cluster at IIT Guwahati today and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth ₹635 crore across Assam, marking a major step towards building a Viksit Purvottar through innovation, connectivity, and inclusive growth.

The event, attended by senior officials from the Assam government, representatives from premier educational institutions, and members of the scientific and entrepreneurial community, underscored Assam’s emerging role as the “innovation and connectivity hub” of the Northeast.

Speaking on the occasion, Scindia described Assam as “the heartbeat of a rising Northeast, where the mighty Brahmaputra flows as a symbol of continuity, courage, and creativity.” He noted that the state, long considered the gateway to India’s eastern renaissance, is now taking centre stage in driving technological and infrastructural transformation.

Laying the foundation stones for projects totalling ₹635 crore, Scindia announced a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening Assam’s social and economic infrastructure.

Key projects include:

• Infrastructure Development of 65 New Secondary School Buildings – ₹455 crore

• Upgradation of Chayagaon–Ukium Road – ₹102.69 crore

• RCC Bridge at Silonijan–Dhansiri Par Ghat – ₹20.59 crore

• Development of Industrial Estate at Ramphalbil (Kokrajhar) – ₹14.40 crore

• Development of Industrial Estate at Lakhibazar (Baksa) – ₹18.40 crore

Highlighting the human impact of these projects, Scindia said, “Every brick laid and every classroom built is a promise kept in the service of aspiration.”

The newly inaugurated NEST Cluster, established with an investment of ₹22.98 crore, is envisioned as the nerve centre of Northeast India’s innovation ecosystem, focusing on four core areas — Grassroots Innovation, Semiconductors & Artificial Intelligence, Bamboo-Based Technologies, and Biodegradable Plastics.

The cluster will work in synergy with DoNER’s youth-oriented programmes such as NE-SPARKS and Ashtalakshmi Darshan, which aim to foster scientific collaboration and exposure — connecting over 4,000 students from across India with the Northeast’s growing innovation landscape.

During his visit to IIT Guwahati’s research exhibition, Scindia interacted with students and innovators working on 6G communication, biodegradable polymers, bamboo tissue culture, and low-field MRI systems for accessible healthcare. Impressed by the innovations, he remarked, “If you get this going, it will be the future.”

As part of the NEST Mission’s inclusive innovation agenda, 30 rural women from Kamrup were felicitated for completing training in biodegradable toy manufacturing using Industry 4.0 technologies. Scindia also unveiled the NEST Cluster logo, designed by these women, symbolising empowerment through innovation and sustainability.

Emphasising the transformation of the Northeast under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Scindia said the region has shifted “from being landlocked to land-linked and future-ready.”

He highlighted major infrastructural breakthroughs including the Bogibeel Bridge, Bhupen Hazarika Setu, Sela Tunnel, and Jogighopa Multi-Modal Logistics Park, which have redefined connectivity in Assam.

Over ₹6.2 lakh crore has been invested in the Northeast through the 10% Gross Budgetary Support policy, driving inclusive development across health, education, and industry. Scindia also mentioned the Act East Policy’s success in expanding trade routes, reducing travel time between Kolkata and Agartala from 31 hours to just 10, thanks to new links through Bangladesh.

Concluding his address, Scindia invoked the blessings of Maa Kamakhya and reaffirmed that Assam will continue to lead the Northeast’s progress towards Viksit Bharat @2047 through the combined forces of education, enterprise, and innovation.

“The Northeast, once seen as the periphery, has become India’s eastern gateway to prosperity,” he said, praising Assam’s inclusive ethos of “Xobhe xokolore loi thoka xomaj” — a society that carries everyone together.