Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday reiterated Modi government's commitment and resolve to bring North-Eastern states at par with the rest of country on development index and provide them with the equal opportunity, as in other parts.
Addressing the Viksit Bharat Ambassador Campus Dialogue at IIT Guwahati, the Finance Minister listed out series of developmental programmes initiated and launched under Modi government in last ten years and how it has brought a paradigm shift in the development of the North-Eastern region.
Previous regimes left the region ignored and neglected for many decades but the Modi government, since coming to power in 2014, has laid special emphasis and focus on its growth, she said.
She further pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken keen interest in setting up new "growth centres" and also envisioned harnessing of local resources, intrinsic to the region and all this is giving unprecedented outcome.
"Bamboo mission programme has brought big attention to the North-East. As the world is fast abandoning use of paper and plastic, the bamboos are finding a global acceptance," she told the Viksit Bharat event participants.
Highlighting the Centre's schemes, the Finance Minister informed, "More than Rs 25,000 crore development funds have been allocated to N-E states so far while the Rs 6,600 crore funds were given for job-oriented development in the region.
"India hosted the G20 Summit. Out of hundred, more than 20 events were held in N-E region. Many ministers and foreign delegates descended to the region, prompting the locals to showcase their products to visiting global dignitaries," she added.
Boasting about medical tourism potential of the region, FM Sitharaman said that seven cancer hospitals in Assam will turn the region into a hub for medical services and it will see patients visiting the state from entire South Asia for cheaper and high-end treatments.
She further informed, "Not long ago, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for seven cancer hospitals in Assam. Besides this, eight new medical colleges and two new IIITs have been opened. To strengthen education system, more than 800 schools have been established while 25 lakh teachers are getting trained."
"This pace of growth in North-East has never been witnessed before," she asserted.
The Finance Minister, when queried on government's roadmap for making India a superpower by 2047, quipped, "this is why we urge you to become Viksit Bharat Ambassadors."
She urged the participants to join the movement as ambassador and spread the message of hope that if all this can be achieved in last 10 years, what all can be done in many more years till 2047.
Prior to the event, the Union Minister was also felicitated before the interaction programme with the students at Viksit Bharat Ambassador Campus Dialogue in Guwahati.
RG Kar verdict: Mamata unhappy with 'life imprisonment' for convict, says 'death penalty was sought'
As a special court in Kolkata on Monday sentenced Sanjay Roy, convicted in the case of ghastly rape and murder of a junior women doctor of the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital within the hospital premises in August last year to life imprisonment,
Student from Hyderabad shot dead in Washington
A resident of Green Hills Colony in Chaitanyapuri, Ravi Teja had moved to the United States in March 2022 to pursue a Master’s degree in business administration. After completing his studies, he had been searching for a job.
Drugs valued at Rs 2.38 crore seized in 3 NE states, 3 held
Security personnel seized drugs and ganja (cannabis) worth Rs 2.38 crore and arrested three drug peddlers during the past 24 hours in three northeastern states -- Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram, officials said on Monday.
RG Kar verdict: Life imprisonment for Sanjay Roy; not rarest of rare crimes, says court
A special court in Kolkata, on Monday, sentenced Sanjay Roy, the sole accused in the case of ghastly rape and murder of a woman doctor of state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, to life imprisonment.
Maha Kumbh 2025 to generate 12 lakh gig and temporary jobs, benefit over 8 lakh workers
The 45-day Maha Kumbh 2025 is anticipated to generate an estimated 1.2 million (12 lakh) gig and temporary jobs, benefitting over eight lakh workers across various sectors, according to a report on Monday.
Saif Ali Khan attack case: Mumbai Police find pictures of two suspects on Shehzad's mobile phone
The Bangladeshi national, Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, arrested on charges of stabbing actor Saif Ali Khan after breaking into his house, was keeping a very close watch on the police investigation through news and had kept screenshots of the suspects, being shown by the media, in his mobile phone.
Israel releases 90 Palestinian prisoners in exchange of three hostages
The Israel Prison Service announced on Monday the release of 90 Palestinian prisoners as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. On Sunday, Israeli authorities began transferring Palestinian detainees to Ofer Prison in the West Bank, preparing them for release.
'Invasion' of US will come to halt, says Trump on immigration row
President-elect Donald Trump has reaffirmed his commitment to implementing strict immigration limits, a central promise of his presidential campaign on the first day of his assuming office.