Shillong: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has unveiled a comprehensive development agenda for India’s Northeast, urging the eight states to transform the region into a major growth hub. Addressing the 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council in Shillong, Shah pushed for a shift toward economic self-reliance, better infrastructure, and a grassroots campaign against narcotics.
To bolster the investment climate, the Home Minister encouraged state leaders to improve Single Window Clearance systems. He pointed to the potential of new land ports and customs centers in Meghalaya and Mizoram to deepen trade ties across the Indo-Pacific. Shah emphasized that the region should focus on exporting niche sectors, such as bamboo-based products, agarwood, and essential oils, while promoting Geographical Indication-tagged items globally.
Food security remains a key pillar of the plan, with the National Dairy Development Board and the Ministry of Cooperation providing support to increase output in dairy, fish, and eggs. Shah noted, "The region’s future priorities should follow the recommendations of the High-Level Task Force on development, prosperity and preservation of cultural identity."
The government also aims to leverage digital infrastructure to position the region as a leader in artificial intelligence and data analytics. Beyond economics, Shah highlighted a decade of relative peace, noting that over 10,800 former militants have returned to the mainstream following the signing of 12 peace accords. He concluded by stressing that while the region continues to modernize through better connectivity, the preservation of tribal cultures and indigenous languages must remain a top priority.
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