Northeast India Gets Top Priority in Central Government's Development Plans
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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has emphasized the central government's commitment to prioritizing the development of Northeast India. During a visit to Nagaland, she highlighted the region's significant progress in infrastructure, investments, skill development, and digital expansion. The government has strengthened connectivity, improved digital infrastructure, and widened market access, enabling the region to leverage its strategic location and engage with Southeast Asia. Sitharaman praised the region's rapid upgrades in highways, airports, digital networks, and logistics, citing the significant increase in capacities and digital capabilities. She noted that the region's unique location makes it a crucial partner in India's engagement with Southeast Asia. The minister also addressed the importance of financial independence for women, advocating for stronger financial literacy and access to opportunities. The government has implemented various initiatives, including collateral-free loans for women entrepreneurs, higher-interest savings accounts, and long-term schemes like PM Vatsalya, to promote financial security. Sitharaman also emphasized the need to expand AI education at schools and colleges, enabling students to navigate new technologies with confidence. The minister witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between NIELIT Kohima and Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Private Limited, marking a significant milestone in building semiconductor talent and strengthening India's advanced manufacturing ecosystem. The agreement focuses on Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging, a critical stage in the semiconductor value chain. Sitharaman also launched SAMARTH, a holistic learning model integrating technology, psychology, and ethics to shape responsible innovators. The initiative blends AI, robotics, electronics, and value-based learning to transform schools into incubators of creativity and digital confidence. The Union minister handed over certificates to personnel from the Army Educational Corps who completed a 540-hour training in Cyber Security and Social Media Analytics. The government's efforts to expand optical-fibre connectivity through the Universal Service Obligation Fund and the BharatNet programme are rapidly expanding access to schools, hospitals, post offices, and panchayats. BSNL's indigenous 4G and 5G technologies, along with private telecom operators, are extending coverage in remote areas, with the target of completion now progressing at a faster pace. The minister's visit is part of a three-day official trip to Nagaland, during which she will inaugurate the AI Centre of Excellence for Skilling and review the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment Project.
