Guwahati, July 25: Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, has urged Members of Parliament from the Northeast to proactively identify region-specific and high-impact development projects, underlining the Centre’s commitment to a results-driven and inclusive development model for the eight Northeastern states—collectively known as the Ashtalakshmi states.
Chairing a Consultative Committee meeting in New Delhi on Thursday, Scindia emphasised the need for strengthened inter-ministerial coordination, faster grievance redressal, and optimal utilisation of the mandatory 10% Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) allocated to the region. He was joined by Union Minister of State for DoNER and Education, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, and several MPs from the Northeast.
“The whole-of-government approach is essential to achieving the goals of a Viksit Northeast and aligning with India’s Act East Policy,” said Scindia. He revealed that since 2014, several central ministries have exceeded their GBS utilisation targets in the region, touching 104%, 112%, and even 114% in certain years. However, he pointed out that ministries falling short are being directed to set more realistic, impact-driven goals, especially in sectors pivotal to the Northeast’s growth.
Scindia assured the MPs that the Ministry of DoNER would remain a strong link between state governments, central ministries, and elected representatives. He called for close collaboration in identifying development initiatives tailored to local needs, aiming to bring measurable and transformative change to the region.
