Northeast Budget Witnesses a 300% Surge Over the Last Decade: Sarbananda Sonowal
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New Delhi, Dec 6 (NationPress) Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted on Friday that the entire northeastern region has experienced significant changes due to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the budget allocation for the Northeast soaring by 300% over the last ten years.
While outlining key advancements in the region, Sonowal stated: "The Northeast has been a focal point for the NDA administration led by PM Narendra Modi. Since 2014, the budget for the area has increased by more than 300%. Starting from Rs 36,108 crore in 2014, the budget for the Northeast has escalated to Rs 94,680 crore in FY 2023-24. In terms of infrastructure, there has been an impressive 28% rise in the expansion of National Highways. The number of National Highways (NHs) in the region grew from 80 in 2014 to 103 in 2023, alongside a remarkable 26-fold increase in infrastructure development scheme allocations from a mere Rs 94 crore to Rs 2,491 crore.
"The railway network has also expanded, enhancing connectivity with over 193 km of new rail lines commissioned annually. The railway budget for the region surged by 370%. Furthermore, we have achieved 100% electrification of broad gauge tracks in the Northeast," he added.
Pointing fingers at the Congress, Sonowal remarked that during 60 years of rule by the old party, only 9 operational airports existed in the region. However, in less than a decade under PM Narendra Modi, this number has increased to 17.
He mentioned: "Consequently, the aviation sector has seen a 113% surge in weekly flights. In terms of welfare delivery, over 7,000 villages now have access to piped drinking water. The region has also experienced a 39% rise in the number of universities in this decade."
The Union Minister expressed: "Our beautiful Northeast has been gifted by Mother Nature but was overlooked for far too long by previous governments at the Centre, until the NDA took charge. Under the vibrant leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the region has witnessed a significant transformation over the past ten years, contrasting with decades of stagnation, corruption, and neglect. This transformative decade has ignited new energy in the Northeast.
"The innovative strategy to revitalize the Northeast as India’s Growth Engine, implemented by PM Modi, focuses on good governance and developmental politics. These dual approaches, characterized by a commitment to success, clear intentions, and hard work, have resulted in people from even the most remote areas of the region receiving welfare services at their doorstep. This was previously unimaginable for many in the Northeast before 2014.
To enhance organic farming, over 1.55 lakh hectares of land has been designated for this purpose.
Currently, more than 4,016 km of road projects are underway, and 4G connectivity has nearly reached every corner of the Northeast.
