In a major step to boost connectivity and economic growth in India’s North Eastern Region, Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, who heads both the Ministry of Communications and the Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), chaired three high-level task force meetings on October 27. The meetings focused on accelerating development through tourism, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Our correspondent reports that the discussions were part of a broader roadmap initiated under the decisions of the 72nd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) held in Agartala in December 2024. These task forces are designed to ensure state-wise collaboration and coordinated planning among all eight North Eastern states for sustainable and inclusive growth.
During the meeting of the High-Level Task Force (HLTF) on the North East Economic Corridor, chaired by Mizoram Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma, discussions centred around strengthening road and rail connectivity, aviation infrastructure, inland waterways, energy grids, digital networks, and border trade facilities. Representatives from Assam, Meghalaya, and Manipur presented region-specific development proposals. Minister Scindia appreciated the detailed presentations and directed the task force to submit its final roadmap after incorporating inputs from all states.
Our correspondent adds that the Tourism HLTF, chaired by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, saw participation from the Union Minister for Tourism and Culture along with the Chief Ministers of Tripura and Sikkim. The session highlighted the enormous potential of the North East to emerge as a world-class tourism hub. It was decided that the states would work towards creating integrated tourist circuits showcasing the region’s spiritual heritage, adventure destinations, eco-tourism sites, and vibrant cultural diversity.
The Union Minister emphasised that tourism in the region should follow a bottom-up approach, aligning with local traditions and ensuring community participation. He said that the Centre is committed to making the North East a global tourism destination that balances economic progress with cultural preservation.
In another meeting, the Agriculture and Horticulture Task Force, chaired by Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, reviewed ongoing initiatives related to organic farming, cold chain expansion, market access, and regional branding. Officials from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura, along with representatives from APEDA and NABARD, discussed measures to strengthen agricultural productivity and farmer incomes through technology adoption and product diversification.
Our correspondent reports that Minister Scindia underscored the need for value addition and market linkage to enhance farmers’ earnings and position the North East as a hub for high-value organic and horticultural produce. He called for a shift from subsistence farming to commercially viable, sustainable agricultural practices that would empower rural communities.
The Union Minister stated that the three task forces — on the Economic Corridor, Tourism, and Agriculture & Horticulture — will act as strategic blueprints for transforming the region’s economy. He directed that the recommendations from each state must be converted into actionable plans with measurable timelines and regular progress reviews.
Our correspondent adds that the Ministry of DoNER has positioned the task force mechanism as a model of cooperative federalism, ensuring that regional priorities align with the national vision of inclusive development. Officials confirmed that the government’s goal is to make the North Eastern Region a driver of sustainable economic growth, cultural exchange, and tourism-led prosperity.
The meetings marked a renewed focus on integrated planning and high-impact execution under the central government’s “Act East” policy. The approach aims to leverage the region’s unique geographical and cultural strengths while improving living standards and creating employment opportunities.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to bringing the North Eastern Region into the mainstream of India’s growth story through strategic investments, transparent governance, and citizen-centric planning.
