According to an official statement on Monday, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, the Union Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region, opened the North Eastern Science and Technology (NEST) Cluster at IIT Guwahati and laid the groundwork for ground breaking development projects totalling Rs 635 crore throughout Assam.
The infrastructure development of 65 new secondary school buildings at a cost of Rs 455 crore, the upgrading of the Chayagaon–Ukium road at an investment of Rs 102.69 crore, and the construction of the RCC Bridge at Silonijan-Dhansiri Par Ghat at a cost of Rs 20.59 crore are among the new projects, which are intended to accelerate growth and connectivity throughout Assam.
The minister also lay the foundation stones for two additional projects: the construction of industrial estates at Ramphalbil (Kokrajhar) at a cost of Rs 14.40 crore and Lakhibazar (Baksa) at a cost of Rs 18.40 crore.
"Every brick laid and every classroom built is a promise kept in the service of aspiration," Scindia stated, emphasizing the projects' human impact.
Established with a Rs 22.98 crore investment, the North Eastern Science and Technology (NEST) Cluster would act as the hub of the Northeast's innovation ecosystem, converting local knowledge into global solutions.
According to an official release, it will concentrate on four verticals: bamboo based technologies, biodegradable plastics, semiconductors and artificial intelligence, and grassroots innovation.
The NEST cluster will support DoNER's youth focused initiatives including NE-SPARKS and Ashtalakshmi Darshan, which will allow 800 Northeastern students to visit ISRO for scientific exposure and 3,200 students from all around India to visit the Northeast.
Senior Assamese government officials, representatives from academic institutions, and members of the scientific and entrepreneurial communities attended the event.
Assam, which was once the entry point to India's eastern renaissance, is now becoming the center of innovation and connection for a "Viksit Purvottar," according to the minister.
The minister engaged with researchers and students exhibiting 6G communication, biodegradable polymers, bamboo tissue culture, and low field MRI systems for accessible healthcare during his visit to the IIT Guwahati exhibition.
Scindia praised the students' attitude of sustainable innovation and scientific curiosity while reviewing the biodegradable polymer project, saying, "If you get this going, it will be the future."
Scindia emphasized that the northeast has experienced a tremendous change from landlocked to land linked and future ready under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.
Through the 10% Gross Budgetary Support policy, more than Rs 6.2 lakh crore has been invested in the area, promoting empowerment, growth, and enterprise.
He emphasized important initiatives that have completely changed Assam's connectivity environment, like the Bogibeel Bridge, Bhupen Hazarika Setu, Sela Tunnel, and Jogighopa Multi Modal Logistics Park.
By creating new rail and road connections to Bangladesh, he continued, the Act East Policy has created new commercial borders and cut the travel time between Kolkata and Agartala from thirty one hours to only ten.
The minister also highlighted PM Modi's recent initiatives, which total Rs 6,500 crore in Darrang and Rs 18,530 crore throughout Assam, reiterating the Center's dedication to comprehensive development encompassing industry, energy, health, and education.
