HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, March 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, embarked on a significant journey to the Northeast, inaugurating a plethora of developmental projects aimed at fostering growth and prosperity in the region. A total of 55,600 crores worth of projects were inaugurated, spanning across various sectors crucial for the region’s growth.
Attended by chief ministers and dignitaries from all Northeastern states, the programme was virtually attended by Phagu Chauhan, Governor of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma, chief minister of Meghalaya, among others.
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As the Farmers’ Hostel and Training Centre was inaugurated, 500 farmers attended the Farmers’ Hostel and attended the inauguration virtually.
Prime Minister Modi inaugurated multiple development projects worth more than Rs 290 crores in Meghalaya, including laying the foundation stone for key initiatives. Notable projects for which the foundation stone was laid include the construction of an IT Park in Tura and the expansion of a new four-lane road, along with converting an existing two-lane road into four lanes at New Shillong Township.
Additionally, Prime Minister also inaugurated a Farmers’ Hostel-cum-Training Centre in Upper Shillong, along with avenues aimed at promotion of sports, tourism and education in the state.
The Farmers’ Training Centre in Upper Shillong, established on May 2, 1973, significantly contributed to the advancement of farmers in East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, Southwest Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, and Eastern West Khasi Hills through various training programs.
However, due to the deteriorating condition of the old Assam type building, a new construction was initiated under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme RKVY 2018-19 was completed in 2023-24. The Training Centre aims to modernise farming practices, promote organic farming, distribute inputs, and raise awareness about nutritional values.
In his address, the Prime Minister emphasised the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat- Viksit Northeast,’ underlining the government’s relentless pursuit of development and prosperity in the region. He launched the Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme (UNNATI), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bolstering industrial development in the Northeast with a holistic outlay of Rs 10,000 crore.
PM Modi further said, “Northeast is the ‘Ashtalakshmi’ of India. Our government is committed to development of the Northeast.”
Chief minister Conrad K Sangma, taking to his X handle, thanked the Prime Minister and wrote, “‘Viksit Bharat Viksit North East’ programme has given us the vision and confidence that under your leadership our Nation and the region can move forward. Your commitment for accelerating progress and development is guiding us to work with the common agenda of making Northeast the growth engine of India.”
Highlighting the government’s focus on women empowerment, the Prime Minister spoke about the Government’s ambition to have 3 crore Lakhpati Didi.
Notably, Meghalaya’s efforts in uplifting women through various projects and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), significantly increasing their economic participation and empowerment has been commendable with the number of SHGs rising from 4,500 to 45,000 in just 6 years.
As a symbol of unity and celebration of development in the Northeast, Prime Minister Modi urged people to illuminate their mobile phone flashlights, commemorating the transformative journey ahead.
