Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday reaffirmed that the Central government would continue extending North-East development support to ensure every state in the region becomes equally developed. She made the statement during her visit to Imphal, where she addressed a gathering of government officials, entrepreneurs, and civil society leaders.
According to the minister, the Central government views the North-East as a critical region for national progress. She emphasized that development in infrastructure, education, health, and employment would receive consistent financial and policy backing.
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Centre Will Strengthen Infrastructure in All NE States
Speaking on the sidelines of a development review meeting, Sitharaman said each North-Eastern state would receive targeted investment. This includes road building, digital infrastructure, and rural electrification.
“The government will not leave a single part of the North-East behind. Our commitment is to provide full Central assistance until each state reaches equal footing with the rest of India,” she said.
The Finance Minister’s assurance signals a broader policy approach, placing North-East development support at the heart of India’s inclusive growth plan.
Strong Emphasis on Transport and Digital Connectivity
During her visit, Sitharaman reviewed several ongoing connectivity projects. She stressed that improving air, road, and rail links is key to unlocking economic potential in the region.
In her address, she said, “The Centre has already funded multiple road and bridge projects. We’re also expanding digital connectivity to help entrepreneurs and students connect with the rest of India.”
With these steps, the government expects to reduce logistical delays and create new opportunities in tourism, agriculture, and education. The Finance Minister noted that North-East development support is not just about building roads, but creating pathways for local talent to thrive.
Support for Local Entrepreneurship and Startups
Sitharaman also interacted with youth entrepreneurs and local business owners during her trip. She announced that several financial schemes would soon be tailored for the region’s unique industries—especially handloom, organic farming, and eco-tourism.
“Startups from the North-East will receive handholding from Central agencies. Access to credit, mentoring, and digital tools will be made easier,” she said.
The Centre aims to position the region as an innovation-driven zone. With structured incentives and marketing support, local industries are expected to scale beyond regional boundaries. The idea is to make North-East development support sustainable and market-led.
Northeast to Play Key Role in India’s Border Economy
The Finance Minister pointed out that the North-East’s strategic location offers enormous cross-border trade potential. The government plans to enhance trade points with neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Bhutan.
Sitharaman said, “The North-East is our gateway to Southeast Asia. We are preparing this region to become a hub for border trade and cultural exchange.”
The Central government is working with ministries of commerce and external affairs to simplify trade routes. Border districts will also receive infrastructure upgrades to support future trade expansions. This adds a new layer to the ongoing North-East development support strategy.
Collaboration with State Governments and Communities
While addressing state officials and MLAs from across the North-East, Sitharaman stressed that development must be a collaborative process. She encouraged states to submit need-based proposals and ensure community-level participation.
“The people of this region know their needs best. Our role is to listen, support, and deliver,” she added.
She also highlighted the recent increase in budget allocations to the region, with several North-Eastern states receiving higher per capita development funds than the national average. These funds cover rural housing, skill development, women’s empowerment, and health services.
This model ensures that North-East development support flows in the right direction—toward the grassroots.
Looking Ahead: North-East in Vision 2047
The Finance Minister concluded her speech by stating that the North-East has a central role in India’s Vision 2047 roadmap. She encouraged all states to align their local goals with the national strategy.
She said, “Our goal is that by the 100th year of independence, the North-East should match the best-performing regions of India.”
Sitharaman’s remarks came with a strong tone of urgency and clarity. Her visit was not only symbolic but also administrative, as several pending projects were reviewed for deadline enforcement.
The message was clear: North-East development support is not a one-time promise, but a continuous mission that requires partnership, planning, and persistence.
