Embracing a stunning metamorphosis, the Northeast region of India has emerged as the forefront of Viksit Bharat, shedding its image as a distant frontier. Spearheaded by Prime Minister Modi's visionary leadership, policies centred on peace, development, recognition, and prosperity have propelled this transformative journey. The NorthEast is not merely catching up; it is taking the lead, paving the way for peace and prosperity in the country. With Prime Minister Modi making over 50 visits and Union Ministers conducting more than 400 visits to the region, the Northeast has become an integral part of India's mainstream policy framework. By acknowledging and elevating the status of tribal heroes in the region, the government has effectively demonstrated that Northeast India, unlike under previous government rules, is no longer relegated to neglect within the country. The Modi government has replaced the neglectful approach of earlier governments with a more nurturing one, relating the region to Asta Lakshmi—an area of eight states with unimaginable growth potential.
From Disturbed Area to Developed Area
The region was marred by the presence of insurgency-induced violence for decades. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary approach, which emphasizes the 'divine' nature of Northeast India as opposed to the previous divisive stance, numerous peace accords have been successfully negotiated in the past nine years. These agreements are designed to bring an end to longstanding disputes in the region. Key accords, like the Bodo Accord and Bru-Reang Agreement, resolved longstanding conflicts. The recent UNLF peace accord on November 29, 2023, signifies the end of a six-decade-long armed movement, a significant step for peace and stability in Manipur. Similarly, the recently signed peace deal with the pro-talk faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) marks a historic turning point, promising enduring peace for the state.
Under the visionary leadership of PM Modi, a new era of change and economic upliftment for the North Eastern region has steadily been in progress. Over the last nine years, the Prime Minister has not just delivered on his promise of bringing peace and prosperity to the region, but Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas has also become the core of every policy decision, where self-reliance is no longer a dream. Northeast is not being left behind; in fact, it is leading the country on the road to peace and prosperity.
Act East Policy, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, is actively contributing to a transformative shift, marking a substantial change in the prospective role of the North-East region. Whether it is the establishment of the National Sports University in Manipur or the allocation of over Rs. 3.84 lakh crore in the past nine years for the development of the NorthEastern region, it reflects the government's steadfast commitment to fostering the region's advancement and ensuring its development.
Towards A Viksit Northeast India
Northeast India has an important role to play as India aspires to become the world's third-largest economy. The region has transitioned from prolonged periods of economic stagnation to spearheading the nation's growth trajectory. The core strengths of the region lie in its tourism potential and abundant natural resources.
The region possesses significant potential to evolve into the 'hydropower hub for India,' accounting for almost 40% of the country's total hydro potential. The present government has been harnessing this energy, and soon, the region will be poised to contribute power to the nation. Simultaneously, the tourism sector in the region holds immense promise. Under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS), 80 projects, amounting to Rs. 2598.15 crore, were sanctioned by March 31, 2022, focusing on tourism-related infrastructure such as connectivity, power, and water supply in the region. In addition, the government has announced the incorporation of fifteen new destinations from the region to be developed under Swadesh Darshan 2.0. Moreover, the establishment of 8 new airports in the last nine years has significantly bolstered the tourism economy of the region.
Mainstreaming North East India
Another important step taken by the government is to respect and commemorate the freedom fighters of India. With this aim, the Modi government laid the foundation for setting up the Rani Gaidinilu Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum at Luangkao village in Manipur's Tamenglong district on November 22 2021. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid the foundation stone of the project that aims to beautify Rang Ghar in Sivsagar. A remarkable shift in the number of tourists visiting the region was noticed in 2022. 118.45 lakh domestic and 1.04 lakh foreign tourists visited the North Eastern States in 2022.
Cultural mainstreaming is also related to popularising local food as well. In this regard, Muga Silk, Tezpur Lesu, Joha Rice, Boka Chaul, Kaji Nemu, and Gamosa have earned the GI tag. Today, the glorious history of the region is capturing national attention. On November 25 2022, a ceremony was held in Delhi to observe the 400th birth anniversary of Lachit Borphukan, the legendary Ahom general known for his victory against the Mughals in the battle of Saraighat. Such a celebration has made a folk hero a nationally popular figure by the Modi government.
Under the leadership of PM Modi, the government is making comprehensive investments spanning sectors like security, health, and connectivity in the NorthEast. Consequently, the region is emerging as a frontrunner in the nation's journey toward Viksit Bharat. Furthermore, the government's initiatives to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the region have received wide acclaim. The way PM Modi often adorns colourful traditional headdresses, local scarves, and outfits of the NorthEast sends a strong message of unity and strength, demonstrating that the Prime Minister is not only attuned to the needs of the people and the nation but also takes pride in showcasing it to the global audience. In a region that has been neglected for far too long, the people of the Northeast have now found hope and optimism in Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
