Without a ‘New Northeast’, ‘New India’ is impossible: Rajnath Singh

Addressing the concluding session of the 67^th Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong on Tuesday, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that way to a 'New India' will only be possible after a developed 'New Northeast'.

Singh said the Prime Minister has a dream of New India by 2022. The dream of 'New India' will only be realised with the vision of a 'New North East', he added.

"The North East needs better Road Connectivity and it has recently made some progress in this area. The economic potential of the region will be realised with better connectivity," said Singh adding "If we can provide quality broadband services in the region, the youth of the North East will find the employment opportunities closer to their home. It would also stop the migration of local youth to distant areas of the country."

The Union Minister also said the ITIs and Polytechnic Institutes should play a role in Skill Development and that NEC should also consider setting up the Regional Institute for Skill Development.

Singh said momentum to employment and income generation will help contain problems like insurgency in the North Eastern Region (NER).

"The North-Eastern states need to create a favourable environment for private investments which should make the investors feel safe and their problems are addressed. It will give a big boost to investments," he added.

The Union Home Minister also emphasised on accelerating the growth of Agriculture to achieve the Prime Minister's dream of doubling the farmers' income by 2022.

He suggested the revival of North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Limited (NERAMAC) for marketing of agriculture produce. "The North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Project (NERCORMP) with the Self Help Groups can extend help in this effort to increase the income and employment generation in the region."

Singh assured Centre's support to the North Eastern states in improving Police infrastructure saying that the North Eastern states should capitalise on the prevailing peaceful scenario to improve the law and order situation and strengthen policing in the region.