Assam News: Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, on Monday inaugurated the North Eastern Science and Technology (NEST) Cluster at IIT Guwahati and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth ₹635 crore across Assam. Senior Assam government officials, representatives from various educational institutions, the scientific community, and entrepreneurs attended the event. In his address, Scindia described Assam as the “heartbeat of the emerging Northeast,” noting that the state is now emerging as the “innovation and connectivity hub of the developed Northeast.” He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Northeast has transformed from “landlocked to land-linked” and “future-ready.”
Projects worth ₹635 crore will enhance development and connectivity in Assam.
The foundation stones laid on this occasion include several important projects related to education, roads, industry, and infrastructure. These include the construction of 65 new secondary school buildings at a cost of ₹455 crore, the upgradation of the Chaygaon-Ukium Road at a cost of ₹102.69 crore, the RCC bridge across the Silonijan-Dhansiri ghat at a cost of ₹20.59 crore, the industrial estate at Ramphalbil in Kokrajhar at a cost of ₹14.40 crore, and the industrial estate at Lakhibazar in Baksa at a cost of ₹18.40 crore. Scindia said, “Every brick being laid, every classroom being built is a promise fulfilled in service of aspirations.” These projects will not only empower Assam industrially but will also move it one step closer to becoming India’s gateway to Southeast Asia.
NEST Cluster Launched at IIT Guwahati, Will Become a Hub for Innovation
The North Eastern Science and Technology (NEST) Cluster, established at IIT Guwahati at a cost of ₹22.98 crore, will become a major hub for innovation and research in the Northeast region. The cluster will focus on four key areas: grassroots innovation, semiconductors and artificial intelligence, bamboo-based technology, and biodegradable plastics. The initiative aims to transform local knowledge into global solutions. Scindia praised projects demonstrated by researchers and students at IIT Guwahati, such as 6G communication, biodegradable polymers, bamboo tissue culture, and low-field MRI. He said, “If you take this forward, this is the future.” During the event, 30 rural women from Kamrup district were honored for completing training in making biodegradable toys. They will be encouraged to establish micro-enterprises using Industry 4.0 technologies.
Assam Moving Towards a ‘Developed Northeast’
At the event, Scindia also launched the NEST cluster logo, designed by rural women undergoing training in sustainable toy manufacturing. He said the logo symbolizes “innovation and inclusivity driven by women power.” He pointed out that under the Modi government’s 10% gross budgetary support policy, over ₹6.2 lakh crore has been invested in the Northeast, leading to the completion of projects such as the Bogibeel Bridge, Bhupen Hazarika Setu, Sela Tunnel, and Jogighopa Multi-Modal Logistics Park. Scindia said, “The Northeast has now become India’s ‘Eastern Gateway to Prosperity.’” Citing the Assamese spirit of “Xobhe xokolore loi thoka xomaj” (a society that takes everyone along), he said that every project launched today strengthens that spirit of unity. Finally, invoking the blessings of Maa Kamakhya, he said that Assam will continue to move forward towards ‘Developed India @2047’ in the coming years on the strength of education, innovation and entrepreneurship.
