Northeast's first AIIMS in Assam: Focus on the region’s holistic development

The alluring North-East Region, a jewel in India's crown is a hidden land of beauty, diversity and wonder. The natural beauty here is second to none, it's a paradise that's just waiting to be explored. NER region has immense potential, worth and a land of mirth.
The Northeast region of India consists of eight states, including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura.
The people of Northeast are warm, friendly and hospitable, their rich culture is a tapestry of diverse traditions, colors and vistas.
With vibrant festivals and savory cuisine, the land of seven sisters & a brother is a feast for all our senses, and all these make North East India a wondrous sight & a treasure trove of biodiversity.

Despite being a region with immense natural beauty, diverse culture, and rich history, yet, for many years, it remained a neglected part of the country in terms of development and promotion. But interestingly, since Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji took office in 2014, Northeast India has seen unprecedented growth and holistic development across various sectors, bringing it to the forefront of India's growth map. The region has been given special attention by BJP government, several initiatives have been undertaken to boost its economy, infrastructure and overall development.

With continued focus and investment, now, the North East has emerged as a significant tourism and trade investment destination. The region has seen massive infrastructure development, job creation, tourism promotion, cultural preservation, and security enhancement under Hon'ble Modi ji leadership. These efforts have helped to bring the region closer to the rest of the country and improve the quality of life for its citizens.

In a significant landmark, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Assam during Rongali Bihu festival on 14th April 2023, and inaugurated Northeast's first AIIMS in Guwahati. It's indeed a big pride for all Northeast citizens that the foundation stone of AIIMS Guwahati was laid by PM Modi in May 2017 and it has been built at a cost of more than Rs 1,120 crores. Hon'ble PM laid foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation various projects worth around Rs. 14,300 crore, including the three other Medical colleges in Assam. The auspicious event was also attended by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma.

During the visit, the PM also witnessed the mega Bihu dance which featured more than 10,000 performers. The mega Bihu dance was organized to globally showcase the Bihu dance of Assam as a mascot of cultural identity and life of the Assamese people. This event featured more than 10,000 performers/Bihu Artists in a single venue. It’s a big pride to all that the Bihu dance bagged the Guinness World Record in the category of largest Bihu dance performance in the world in a single venue.

In order to improve connectivity and also boost economic growth and development in the region, Prime Minister Modi ji has prioritized infrastructure development in the region. The government has undertaken several Roadways, Airways and Railway projects, some of the longest rail-cum-road bridges connecting the rest of the country.
Similarly, the Prime Minister has initiated several schemes to promote entrepreneurship and job creation in the region. The Startup India program has been extended to the North East, encouraging young entrepreneurs to set up their own businesses. The government has also launched several other schemes, such as the North East Industrial Development Scheme, to promote industrialization and create job opportunities.

Aiming to increase tourism inflows and boost economic growth in the region, the Prime Minister has given special attention to the development of the region's tourism potential.
The Prime Minister's focus on the "Act East Policy" has played a significant role in boosting tourism in the North East. The policy aims to improve economic and cultural ties between India and Asia-Pacific region, promoting the region's tourism potential as a gateway to the ASEAN countries. The development of air, rail, and road connectivity in the region has made it more accessible to tourists from across the country and beyond.

The BJP government has launched several initiatives, such as the Swadesh Darshan and PRASAD schemes and the UDAN Scheme have also contributed significantly to the growth of tourism in the region. The Swadesh Darshan Scheme focuses on the development of theme-based tourist circuits, while the PRASAD Scheme aims to promote religious tourism. The UDAN Scheme provides affordable air connectivity to remote areas of the North East, making it easier for tourists to access these areas. Similarly, the "Destination North East" and the "Hornbill Festival- Nagaland" are an annual events aimed at promoting tourism in the region. The event showcases the region's unique culture, heritage, and natural beauty, attracting tourists from across the country and the world.

Likewise, the Prime Minister has taken several steps to promote the region's cultural heritage and preserve its environment. The government has launched several schemes, such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and the Namami Brahmaputra program, aimed at improving the economic prospects of the river, to clean up and improve the environment.
Correspondingly, the Prime Minister has prioritized the region's security and connectivity. The government has initiated several measures to improve border infrastructure and ensure the safety of the region's citizens. The government has also undertaken several measures to improve communication and connectivity in the NE region, such as the laying of an optical fiber cable, 5G network etc.

In another milestone, the North East Council, constituted in 1972, completed 50 years and celebrated its Golden Jubilee on 18th December 2022 in Shillong at a programme graced by the PM, in the presence of prominent Union Ministers, all Northeast Chief Ministers & other dignitaries.
Towards Region’s growth trajectory, the BJP government has provided a special 10% Gross Budgetary Support for North Eastern Region.

In a significant move, under the guidance of the Prime Minister, it has been directed that each North Eastern State would be visited by a Union Minister every fortnight/monthly, thereby help accelerate development in the NE region through efficacy of Government projects / schemes being implemented. MDoNER coordinates these visits by Union Ministers to the NE States.

Under the vibrant leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the North East region has been blessed with unprecedented growth and development in all sectors, the region has emerged as the most sought after travel, trade and tourism destination, attracting visitors from across the world. The initiatives undertaken by the government have not only contributed to the economic development of the region but have also promoted the preservation of its unique culture and heritage. The people of the region have also supported positively to the PM's vision for the development and his commitment for improving their lives. Now, the Northeast is poised for a new dawn towards a brighter and more prosperous future.

(The views expressed are personal. Email: southasianexplorer@gmail.com)