Modi's Impact on Northeast India: A New Era of Development
Transforming the Northeast
Guwahati, Dec 20: According to Pabitra Margherita, the Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, the Northeast region, once marginalized, has been integrated into the core of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.
In an interview, Margherita emphasized that Modi has effectively brought the Indian government closer to the Northeast. Since assuming office, the Prime Minister has visited Assam over 70 times and has encouraged other Union ministers to frequently engage with the region, leading to more than 400 visits by Central ministers in the past decade.
During the current administration, budget allocations for the Northeast have surged more than threefold, and significant efforts have been made to enhance connectivity, fostering regional development.
Margherita highlighted the substantial improvements in air travel, with all states in the Northeast now linked by rail. Additionally, the number of national waterways has increased, enhancing waterway connectivity. Digital infrastructure has also seen remarkable advancements, with internet access now reaching even the most remote areas.
He noted that the Prime Minister was instrumental in granting classical language status to Assamese and that the Centre submitted a proposal to UNESCO to recognize the Charaideo Maidams as a World Heritage Site.
Over the past decade, the law and order situation has significantly improved, with over 10,000 militants surrendering and several insurgent groups entering into peace agreements with the government.
Thanks to Modi's efforts, Lachit Barphukan has been honored as a national hero, and the Prime Minister attended cultural events in Assam, where Bihu and Jhumoir performances set new world records, according to the Union minister.