Northeast Development: Assam CM Advocates for Inclusive Growth

Promoting Balanced Development in the Northeast

New Delhi, June 13: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the importance of equitable and inclusive development throughout the Northeast, asserting that local needs and regional aspirations should guide policy-making to foster sustainable growth.

During a meeting organized by NITI Aayog with the Chief Ministers from the eight Northeastern states in New Delhi, Sarma showcased Assam’s swift economic advancements and social progress, while stressing the necessity for inter-state collaboration to fully harness the region's potential.

A significant point in his speech was the recent tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Government of India, along with the Assam and Nagaland governments, aimed at facilitating mineral oil exploration and operations in the border areas of Assam and Nagaland.

Sarma referred to this agreement as a pivotal instance of cooperative development and inter-state collaboration.

“The Northeast can achieve accelerated growth if states unite to tackle shared challenges through dialogue and partnership,” he stated, noting that the agreement exemplifies how persistent issues can be resolved to generate new economic opportunities.

He highlighted that Assam has become one of the fastest-growing states in India, showcasing notable improvements in social indicators.

However, he warned that development should be evenly distributed to avoid regional disparities and ensure that growth benefits all segments of society.

Sarma also stressed the need for development strategies to be customized to meet the specific needs of different states and regions. He pointed out that investments in infrastructure, human resource development, and skill enhancement are vital for sustaining the Northeast's growth momentum.

The meeting, led by NITI Aayog vice chairperson Ashok Lahiri, gathered Chief Ministers, Chief Secretaries, and senior officials from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura to deliberate on development priorities, innovations, and challenges facing the region.

During the discussions, all states shared their successful initiatives and policy innovations across various sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, education, tourism, livelihoods, infrastructure, and skill development.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma highlighted that economic growth should translate into substantial human development. He presented Meghalaya’s vision through the ‘Transformation Journey 2032’, aimed at achieving a developed Meghalaya.

Sangma underscored the significant impact of Externally Aided Projects in creating essential assets and accelerating development. He also called for enhanced collaboration among Northeastern states in trade, exports, and environmental sustainability, while stressing the need for policies tailored to the region's unique requirements.

The interaction underscored a growing recognition of the Northeast as a crucial component of India’s development trajectory, with participants advocating for improved connectivity, increased investment, better infrastructure, and enhanced regional cooperation.

NITI Aayog member Joram Aniya affirmed that the institution would continue to collaborate closely with Central ministries and state governments to address the concerns raised and support the development aspirations of the Northeastern region.