Honourable Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, while addressing the gathering at the ongoing Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, outlined a comprehensive strategy for the development of the North East. Organized by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), the festival is aimed at promoting the rich cultural and economic potential of the eight Northeastern states.
Shri Scindia emphasized the Ministry’s approach to fostering partnerships with each state, recognizing the unique strategies required for their growth. “Tripura’s strategy is different from Sikkim’s, and Sikkim’s is distinct from Arunachal Pradesh’s. Our role is not merely transactional but one of active partnership to support each state,” he said.
The Minister shared that the Ministry has undertaken detailed research and created roadmaps for each state, including SWOT analyses to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. These roadmaps have been presented to the Chief Ministers of all eight states, focusing on areas like tourism, handloom, handicrafts, sports, and agriculture. “From Meghalaya’s music and sports to Tripura’s pineapples and Arunachal’s handlooms, we aim to showcase the North East’s potential to the world,” Shri Scindia noted.
Tourism emerged as a key focus area, with plans for curated circuits spanning two to three days to promote quality tourism. Shri Scindia expressed his vision of the Northeast as a global attraction, surpassing destinations like Switzerland in natural beauty and cultural richness.
Highlighting the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav’s significance, he said, “This festival is a step towards bringing the eight Northeastern states to the global stage. Delegates from India and abroad, including ambassadors, are witnessing the immense cultural and economic potential of the region. Beyond the pavilions, the rural haats exhibit the craftsmanship and agricultural products of the Northeast, reflecting their boundless capacity.”
The Minister also announced key initiatives, including an Investors’ Meet on December 21 in Tripura to boost banking infrastructure and an Investor Summit in January 2025 in Delhi. Recent roadshows in Bengaluru and Hyderabad have already secured MoUs worth ₹18,000 crore, and upcoming roadshows in Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, London, and Dubai aim to attract further investment.
Concluding his address, Shri Scindia stated, “This is not just the North East of Conrad Sangma, Tamang Ji, or Khandu Ji. It is our North East, and we will showcase its potential to the world. Together, we will elevate the region to the global stage.”
