Guwahati, Oct 17: Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya M. Scindia announced that eight iconic tourism destinations, including Kaziranga, Ziro, Sohra, Thenzawl, Matabari, Kisama, Namchi, and Moirang, are being developed as world-class attractions under public-private partnerships.

“Homestay and eco-tourism models have expanded across states, contributing to a 45% rise in rural incomes and fostering sustainable livelihoods”, he said in New Delhi at a joint media briefing today.

The Minister highlighted MDoNER’s efforts to position the Northeast as a global tourism and cultural destination through a unified Brand Northeast strategy. “Each state has identified unique products and experiences—such as Muga Silk of Assam, Lakadong Turmeric of Meghalaya, Polo from Manipur, Organic Farming from Sikkim, and Queen Pineapple of Tripura—to promote its identity,” he said.

“All northeastern states will be rail-connected by 2029,” Scindia added, noting ongoing work on the Kaladan and India–Myanmar–Thailand Highway projects that will open international trade corridors.

He said the North Eastern Region is fast emerging as India’s new growth engine, with investment commitments touching a record ₹4.48 lakh crore in the past year.

Scindia said the region had undergone a “remarkable transformation” under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, driven by the three pillars of Reform, Reach, and Results.

“The Northeast today represents the spirit of a new India—empowered, connected, and future-ready. From being a frontier, it has become a front-runner,” Scindia said.

MDoNER achieved its highest-ever expenditure of ₹3,447.71 crore in FY 2024–25 — a 74.4% jump over the previous year and over 200% growth in three years. Digital monitoring via the Poorvottar Vikas Setu portal ensured 97% inspection coverage and 91% operationalisation of completed projects, signalling what Scindia described as a “new culture of accountability and results.”

Highlighting the Rising North East Investors Summit 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, Scindia said the event drew participation from eight Chief Ministers, eight Union Ministers, 100 Ambassadors, and 108 PSUs. The summit, along with the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav and North East Bankers’ Conclave, has catalysed investments across tourism, MSME, and infrastructure sectors.

Through NEDFi, over 5,300 MSMEs have been supported, and ₹766 crore mobilised for startups, boosting entrepreneurship and local value chains.

With 70% of the region’s population under 28 and literacy rates above the national average, Scindia said the Northeast’s demographic and economic fundamentals make it “India’s next big growth story.”

“The Northeast is no longer a distant frontier—it is the gateway to India’s future,” he concluded.

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