NOV 03: Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurated the North Eastern Science & Technology (NEST) Cluster at IIT Guwahati and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth ₹635 crore across Assam.
Addressing the gathering, Scindia described Assam as “the heartbeat of a rising Northeast” and emphasized its role as India’s innovation and connectivity hub under the vision of Viksit Purvottar.
The ₹635 crore package includes major initiatives such as construction of 65 new secondary school buildings (₹455 cr), upgradation of Chayagaon–Ukium Road (₹102.69 cr), RCC Bridge at Silonijan–Dhansiri Par Ghat (₹20.59 cr), and development of industrial estates at Kokrajhar and Baksa (₹32.8 cr).
The NEST Cluster, set up at an investment of ₹22.98 crore, aims to transform local innovations into global solutions, focusing on Grassroots Innovation, Semiconductors & AI, Bamboo-Based Technologies, and Biodegradable Plastics. The initiative complements youth programs like NE-SPARKS and Ashtalakshmi Darshan, promoting scientific exposure and innovation among students.
Scindia also felicitated 30 rural women from Kamrup trained in biodegradable toy manufacturing and unveiled the NEST logo, designed by women entrepreneurs symbolizing inclusive innovation and Nari Shakti.
Highlighting the Modi Government’s investments exceeding ₹6.2 lakh crore in the Northeast, Scindia said the region has transformed from landlocked to land-linked, with projects like Bogibeel Bridge, Sela Tunnel, and Jogighopa MMLP driving connectivity and commerce.
He affirmed Assam’s pivotal role in leading the Northeast toward Viksit Bharat @2047 through education, innovation, and enterprise.
