DoNER organises ‘North - East Sammelan’

Ministry of DoNER organized a North East Sammelan on February 4^th, 2024 at Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. Minister for DoNER, Tourism and Culture Shri G. Kishan Reddy was the chief guest for the event and virtually laid foundation stone of the North Eastern Cultural and Social Institute in Dwarka built at the cost of Rs 116.38 crore and inaugurated the Barak Hostel at JNU, New Delhi, worth Rs 28.67 crore, in presence of Minsiter for Earth Science Shri Kiren Rijiju ji, Minister of State DoNER Shri B.L. Verma, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Km. Pratima Bhoumik and Minister of State for External Affairs and Education, Shri Rajkumar Ranjan Singh and other dignitaries.

The event garnered the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Union Ministers, Members of Parliament from the North East, and MLAs from the North Eastern States. Noteworthy attendance comprised officers representing various cadres in the North East region, alongside officers from diverse backgrounds. The gathering, comprising an audience of 1000, notably included a substantial contingent of students from the North East studying in institutions across Delhi. The distinguished presence of Smt. Sangkhumi Bualchhuak, a recipient of the Padma Shri award for her commendable efforts in women empowerment, added a significant dimension to the occasion.

The North Eastern Cultural and Social Institute in Dwarka, with a budget of Rs. 116.38 crore, will feature diverse amenities, including an auditorium, a library-cum-reading room focused on materials related to the North Eastern Region, an Art Gallery showcasing the region, an exhibition hall, research center, sale outlets and a Guest House. The center will also house facilities like a State Handloom Display, a food court, and exhibition spaces. Concurrently, the construction of Barak Hostel for North-East Students at JNU, New Delhi, with an estimated cost of Rs. 28.675 Crore, featuring 214 rooms for both genders equipped with modern amenities, aims to enhance hostel accommodations for a larger population of North-East students.

During the unveiling ceremony of the two projects, Shri G. Kishan Reddy expressed that these initiatives have been long-awaited and will serve as focal points for cultural and regional integration. He emphasized that the North Eastern Cultural and Social Institute in Dwarka is anticipated to facilitate extensive discussions, meaningful discourse, and constructive exchanges aimed at promoting the holistic development of the North Eastern Region.

During his address at the Sammelan, the Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region, Culture, and Tourism, Shri G Kishan Reddy, highlighted the North East Sammelan as a remarkable platform to spotlight the abundant opportunities and rich cultural diversity inherent in the North Eastern Region. He emphasized the unprecedented growth and development witnessed over the last decade, transforming the region from a neglected area to the Ashtalakshmi of Bharat

Shri Reddy underscored the significant investments made, amounting to over Rs. 5 Lakh Crores since 2014, driving comprehensive and inclusive development across the region. He also lauded the remarkable progress in maintaining peace and security, evident in the notable reduction of insurgency incidents and civilian casualties, reflecting the government's steadfast commitment to fostering stability.

Furthermore, Shri Reddy highlighted the establishment of state-of-the-art cancer hospitals catering to the healthcare needs of the populace, underscoring the government's dedication to enhancing healthcare infrastructure. Shri Reddy emphasized the substantial financial infusion into the region over the past decade, ensuring unhindered development. He noted a considerable increase of approximately 233% in expenditure, from Rs. 24,819 Crores in 2014-15 to Rs. 82,690 Crores in 2022-23, allocated by 54 Central Ministries to the North Eastern Region under 10% GBS (Gross Budgetary Support).

Union Minister for Earth Sciences, Shri Kiren Rijiju in his address said that he extended his heartfelt congratulations to the people of the North East as we witness the significant launch of Barak Hostel at JNU for NE students and the foundation stone laying of the North Eastern Culture and Social Institute in Dwarka, New Delhi. Shri Kiren Rijiju, further added that North East Region is witnessing a transformative phase of development be it physical infrastructure, connectivity with rest of India or emotional and cultural integration. He added that the government ensures monthly visits of union ministers to different States of NER to ensure that the grievances and issues are addressed at the highest level. He further said that the Government, under the visionary leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji is taking forward the developmental activities on the vision of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'. He underscored the vital link between peace and Northeast development and highlighted the pivotal role of youth and emphasized that genuine progress in the region can only occur through people-led development, underscoring the critical need for sustained peace in the area.

Addressing the audience at the North East Sammelan, Union Minister of State Shri B.L. Verma highlighted that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji has not only recognized but also underscored the crucial role of the North-East in the Nation's development, setting the stage for comprehensive national prosperity. This emphasis signifies a dedicated commitment to uplifting the region and fostering inclusive growth for the entire country especially commending effective governance and initiatives for the Ashtalakshmi’s over all development.

The dignitaries inspected the stalls and exhibitions put up by PSUs of DoNER North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC), North Eastern Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation (NEHHDC) showcasing the initiative sand achievements towards welfare of farmers and artisans of the region. A stall by the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd was also put up which showcased the milestones achieved in promoting SHGs, Small and micro enterprises and young entrepreneurs. The Ministers took the opportunity to engage with artisans and entrepreneurs present.

The Sammelan featured special videos that showcased PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji's vision for roadmap and development for North Eastern Region. The event also featured videos highlighting the following achievements in the North-Eastern Region over the past decade.

The event concluded with a well-received cultural performance showcasing diverse traditional dances. Today's initiatives collectively channel Government of India's efforts to unlock the unparalleled potential of the North-East. The achievements outlined are not merely milestones but a testament to the Government’s commitment to a brighter and more prosperous future for the region.