Amit Shah Highlights North-East Development at Youth Parliament in New Delhi

Shri Amit Shah described the North-East as a "priceless jewel of Indian culture," emphasizing its rich heritage, diversity, and immense tourism potential.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, attended the North-East Students’ & Youth Parliament in New Delhi as the Chief Guest. The event was organized by the Students’ Experience in Inter-State Living (SEIL) and brought together young leaders from the North-East to discuss the region's development and cultural significance.

The North-East: A Cultural Jewel of India

Shri Amit Shah described the North-East as a "priceless jewel of Indian culture," emphasizing its rich heritage, diversity, and immense tourism potential. He praised the youth of the region, noting their high intelligence and strong work ethic. The North-East is home to over 220 tribal groups, 160 tribes, 200 dialects, 50 unique festivals, and more than 30 globally renowned dance forms, he stated.

Past Challenges and Delayed Development

Despite its cultural richness, Shri Shah acknowledged that the region faced significant setbacks due to insurgency, separatism, and internal conflicts, which delayed its development by nearly four decades. He pointed out that violence, bandhs, drug-related issues, and blockades created divisions both within the North-East and between the region and the rest of the country.

Modi Government's Commitment to the North-East

Shri Shah highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the North-East has received unprecedented attention. Key initiatives include:

• The establishment of a dedicated ministry for the region, first introduced under Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government.
• A significant increase in budgetary allocations, with a 153% rise from 2014-15 to 2024-25.
• Investment of ₹90,000 crores in road infrastructure, including ₹41,000 crores for highways and ₹47,000 crores for rural roads.
• ₹18,000 crores for railway connectivity, ensuring that by 2027, all North-East state capitals will be linked by rail, road, and air.
• 64 new air routes established to improve accessibility.
• A ₹27,000 crore semiconductor plant in Assam to generate employment.
• The ‘Vibrant Village Program’ with ₹4,800 crores to boost rural growth.

Security and Stability: A Turning Point

Shri Amit Shah underscored the drastic improvement in security, noting a 70% reduction in violence incidents from 2014-2024 compared to the previous decade. The deaths of security personnel have dropped by 70%, and civilian deaths by 89%. He attributed this to 12 major peace agreements with insurgent groups and the surrender of over 10,500 armed rebels, paving the way for stability and development.

Leveraging Space Technology for Development

Shri Shah also spoke about the use of satellite mapping and topography studies through the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) for sustainable flood management. He revealed plans for the construction of 300 lakes to mitigate flood risks permanently.

Economic Growth and Employment Generation

The Modi government has facilitated ₹2.5 lakh crore in investments in the North-East, aiming to create jobs within the region so that young people do not have to migrate for employment. He also emphasized the success of 100% organic farming in Sikkim and the integration of advanced technology in agriculture.

Education Reforms and Youth Engagement

Shri Shah noted that the New Education Policy (NEP) introduced by PM Modi has given priority to regional languages and cultural preservation while ensuring global competitiveness. He called on students to actively participate in the nation’s progress through platforms like the Students’ Experience in Inter-State Living (SEIL), which fosters national unity by connecting North-East youth with families across India.

Bridging Emotional and Physical Distances

Shri Shah concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to integrating the North-East with the rest of India, not just through infrastructure but also emotionally. He emphasized the need for continued engagement through youth organizations and praised SEIL for promoting national unity.

"By 2047, when India celebrates 100 years of independence, our nation will emerge as a global leader in every field. The North-East will be at the heart of this journey, fully developed and self-sufficient," Shri Amit Shah declared.

The North-East Students’ & Youth Parliament ended with a commitment to furthering national integration, development, and prosperity across the region.