New Delhi, Oct 17 (NationPress) The Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, announced on Friday that the ministry's investment in projects across the northeast has reached an unprecedented Rs 3,447.71 crore in FY 2024–25, reflecting a remarkable 74.4% increase from the previous year and over 200% growth over the last three years.

This achievement exemplifies the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER)'s focus on fiscal responsibility, digital oversight, and prompt execution. The implementation of weekly review systems and digital tracking via the 'Poorvottar Vikas Setu' portal has enhanced transparency and efficiency, achieving 97% project inspection coverage and 91% operationalization of completed projects.

“The Northeast is now a beacon of a new India — empowered, connected, and poised for the future. Under the Prime Minister’s vision, the region has evolved from being a frontier to a front-runner, embodying confidence and competitiveness,” the minister remarked.

In a significant governance reform, the ministry has established Chief Minister-led sectoral high-level task forces in eight sectors: tourism, investment, handicrafts, agriculture, infrastructure, sports, northeast economic corridor, and protein self-reliance. These task forces are promoting inter-state collaboration, aligning policies, and ensuring that development initiatives are regionally integrated, rather than limited to individual states, according to the minister.

Through an Inter-Ministerial Facilitation Mechanism, MDoNER has expedited approvals for crucial infrastructure projects, including the Shillong Airport Expansion, alternative alignment to NH-10 in Sikkim, and Kailashahar Airport Development in Tripura, thereby reinforcing the connectivity framework of the region.

Scindia emphasized the strong investment momentum witnessed in the year. The 'Rising North East Investors Summit 2025' held at Bharat Mandapam in May 2025 resulted in investment commitments totaling Rs 4.48 lakh crore, a historic achievement for the region.

Similarly, the 'Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav' held on December 6-8, 2024, inaugurated by the Prime Minister, celebrated the cultural heritage of the eight northeastern states and generated Rs 2,326 crore in investment leads.

He further highlighted MDoNER’s initiatives to establish the northeast as a global tourism and cultural hub through a unified Brand Northeast strategy. Each state has pinpointed unique products and experiences — such as Muga Silk from Assam, Lakadong Turmeric from Meghalaya, Polo from Manipur, Organic Farming from Sikkim, and Queen Pineapple from Tripura — to promote its identity.

Eight iconic tourism sites, including Kaziranga, Ziro, Sohra, Thenzawl, Matabari, Kisama, Namchi, and Moirang, are being developed as world-class destinations through public-private partnerships. Homestay and eco-tourism initiatives have flourished across states, leading to a 45% increase in rural incomes and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

On the critical need for improved connectivity to fully leverage tourism potential, Scindia noted the significant progress made over the past 11 years.

“Compared to just nine airports in eight northeastern states, with no airports in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, the number has surged to 17, including four airports in Arunachal Pradesh alone. By 2029, all northeastern states will be interconnected by rail. We are also advancing the Kaladan and India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway projects to link the Northeast with the rest of the world. The region is becoming the gateway of India rather than its last frontier,” he stated.

Scindia also highlighted the government's commitment to diversifying the Northeast’s economy through industry-led agri-horticulture value chain development. The National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm has cultivated over 68,000 hectares with 47 nurseries and five seed gardens established.

The Agarwood sector has experienced a six-fold increase in export quota and the launch of an export facilitation portal in collaboration with DGFT, with GI registration currently in progress. The bamboo sector, featuring 22 projects worth Rs 126.7 crore, has trained 2,587 artisans and initiated Amazon-linked market access models, merging traditional crafts with global markets. These initiatives are creating jobs, enhancing exports, and bolstering rural entrepreneurship, concluded the minister.