Guwahati, Nov 3 (NationPress) The Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, officially launched the North Eastern Science and Technology (NEST) Cluster at IIT Guwahati and laid the groundwork for significant development projects totaling Rs 635 crore throughout Assam, as per an official announcement made on Monday.

The ambitious projects aim to spur growth and enhance connectivity in Assam. They comprise the construction of 65 new secondary school buildings, which will require an investment of Rs 455 crore, the improvement of the Chayagaon–Ukium road with an allocation of Rs 102.69 crore, and the building of an RCC Bridge at Silonijan-Dhansiri Par Ghat estimated at Rs 20.59 crore.

Additionally, industrial estates will be developed in Ramphalbil (Kokrajhar) with an investment of Rs 14.40 crore and Lakhibazar (Baksa) at a cost of Rs 18.40 crore, for which the minister placed the foundation stones.

Emphasizing the human impact of these projects, Scindia stated, “Every brick laid and every classroom built is a promise kept in the service of aspiration.”

The NEST Cluster, established with an investment of Rs 22.98 crore, will act as the epicenter of the Northeast’s innovation ecosystem, transforming local wisdom into global solutions. It will focus on four primary areas: Grassroots Innovation; Semiconductors and Artificial Intelligence; Bamboo-Based Technologies; and Biodegradable Plastics, according to the official statement.

The NEST cluster will work alongside DoNER’s youth-oriented programs such as NE-SPARKS and Ashtalakshmi Darshan, which will see 3,200 students from across India visiting the Northeast, alongside 800 Northeastern students who will partake in scientific exposure trips to ISRO.

The event attracted senior officials from the Government of Assam, representatives from educational institutions, and members of the scientific and entrepreneurial community.

Scindia remarked that Assam, once regarded as the gateway to India’s eastern renaissance, is now becoming an innovation and connectivity hub for a 'Viksit Purvottar'.

During his visit to the IIT Guwahati exhibition, Scindia engaged with students and researchers showcasing innovations in 6G communication, biodegradable polymers, bamboo tissue culture, and low-field MRI systems aimed at accessible healthcare.

While reviewing the biodegradable polymer project, Scindia noted, “If you get this going, it will be the future,” praising the students’ spirit of scientific curiosity and sustainable innovation.

Scindia emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Northeast has experienced a significant transformation from being landlocked to becoming land-linked and prepared for the future.

Over Rs 6.2 lakh crore has been invested in the region through the 10 percent Gross Budgetary Support policy, stimulating growth, enterprise, and empowerment. He highlighted key projects such as the Bogibeel Bridge, Bhupen Hazarika Setu, Sela Tunnel, and Jogighopa Multi-Modal Logistics Park, which have redefined Assam’s connectivity landscape.

He added that the Act East Policy has opened new trade avenues, significantly reducing travel time between Kolkata and Agartala from 31 hours to just 10 hours via new rail and road links to Bangladesh.

The minister also pointed out PM Modi’s recent initiatives totaling Rs 6,500 crore in Darrang and Rs 18,530 crore across Assam, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to comprehensive growth spanning health, education, energy, and industry.