Shillong, June 4: Union Home Minister and Chairman of North Eastern Council ( NEC) Amit Shah said the NEC should not function merely as a platform for the distribution of funds, but should evolve into an institution for strategic planning and long-term regional development.
This was stated in a statement issued by the Press Information Bureau(PIB).
Addressing the 73rd plenary session of the NEC here on Thursday, Shah said that the more than 200 tribal communities and over 200 languages and dialects of the North East must be preserved. He noted that the region has, for thousands of years, fostered coexistence among diverse communities, and that this diversity must be transformed into a source of strength. The home minister emphasized that the loss of even a single language or dialect from the North East would constitute a significant loss for the nation.
Shah urged all the states in the region to work with dedication and commitment to preserve the unique identity of the North East, stating that this cultural richness can become one of the region’s greatest strengths.
Shah also said that the North East is the ideal destination for the Healing India Mission, and called upon all states in the region to formulate comprehensive policies for wellness infrastructure and health tourism, leveraging the region’s natural advantages and rich traditional knowledge systems..
“Civilian casualties down by 86%‘
He said that under the Modi government, the number of civilian casualties in the Northeast has declined by 86 percent over the past 12 years, which is a remarkable achievement. He noted that more than 12 historic peace accords have created a highly conducive environment for development in the region.
He emphasised that all chief ministers of the Northeastern states should focus on making citizens aware of their constitutional rights and ensuring their protection, as insurgency in the region has been largely eliminated. The home minister said the Northeast should make a fresh beginning in the area of routine policing. Protecting the rights of the poor, women, and children should be the priority.
Fight against narcotics
Shah said that the Centre has formulated a special action plan with a ruthless approach to eradicate both the transportation and consumption of narcotics in the Northeast.
He stressed the need to ensure timely justice under the new Nayaya Sanhita, promote the use of technology in the criminal justice system, enhance conviction rates through the application of forensic science, and establish a comprehensive framework encompassing online registration of cases and online testimony in courts, so that every citizen receives his or her rightful entitlements and justice.
Digital skills
Shah said that the youth of the North East have the potential to excel in digital skills such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Analytics, Machine Learning, and Blockchain. He emphasized that efforts should be made to develop the entire North East into a major hub for the IT industry.
Hydro power potential
Shah further said that the region possesses immense potential in both hydropower and solar energy, which can be leveraged for sustainable economic growth. The home minister also stressed the need to attract data centres to the North East. He said that this objective can be achieved by aligning the region’s education system, industrial development roadmap, and long-term vision for the utilization of its natural resources, thereby creating a strong foundation for a technology-driven economy
