Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh today said that the Northeast has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, emerging as a region with improved connectivity, stronger scientific infrastructure and expanding opportunities for its people.
Speaking to the media after chairing a comprehensive review meeting of Science and Technology (S&T) institutions at the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) in Shillong, Dr. Singh highlighted the significant progress made in the North Eastern Region over the past decade. He said that states which once had little or no railway connectivity are now being connected through expanding rail networks, airports have been developed across the region, and road infrastructure has significantly improved, reducing travel time and enhancing accessibility.
Highlighting the strengthening of scientific infrastructure, the Minister said the number of weather radars in the Northeast has increased from just two before 2014 to 13, with further expansion planned under Mission Mausam. He further noted that the number of seismological observatories and stations in the region has increased from around 80 to over 170, considerably strengthening earthquake monitoring and disaster preparedness across the seismically active Northeast. He added that several other visible improvements and advancements are taking place across various sectors in the region, reflecting the Government’s continued focus on holistic development and inclusive growth.
Dr. Singh said these developments have not only improved connectivity and infrastructure but have also brought the Northeast closer to the national mainstream. He observed that the region’s youth are increasingly excelling in sectors such as aviation, tourism, healthcare and nursing, citing the recent recruitment of nurses for Japan in which a large number of selected candidates were from the Northeast, particularly Meghalaya.
Crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sustained focus on the region, Dr. Singh said the Prime Minister has visited the Northeast nearly 80 times, reflecting the Government’s unwavering commitment to the region’s holistic development, scientific advancement and national integration. He added that similar progress is being witnessed in telecommunications and digital connectivity, further accelerating the Northeast’s integration with the country’s growth story.
Earlier in the day, at NECTAR, Dr. Jitendra Singh reviewed the Mobile Food Processing Unit (MPU), jointly developed by NECTAR and CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI), which brings food processing technologies to farmers’ doorsteps to facilitate value addition and livelihood generation. He also visited the Vasundhara Soil Organic Carbon Detection Laboratory-cum-Manufacturing Unit, established under the PM-DevINE scheme using technology transferred from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), for accurate in-situ soil testing.
Dr. Singh also visited NECTAR’s STEM Education Laboratory, interacted with students and witnessed demonstrations of robotics, coding, artificial intelligence and 3D printing. He inaugurated the Centre’s advanced GeoInformatics Laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art drone, LiDAR and geospatial technologies to strengthen geospatial applications and research in the region.
During the subsequent review meeting, Heads of various Science and Technology institutions presented updates on their ongoing programmes, key achievements and future initiatives, highlighting their contributions towards scientific research, technological innovation, capacity building and socio-economic development in the region. Senior representatives from NECTAR, CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology (CSIR-NEIST), CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-CMERI), CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI), Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG), India Meteorological Department (IMD), National Centre for Seismology (NCS), Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) and other scientific organisations participated in the meeting.
Addressing the review meeting, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasised that scientific institutions should focus on showcasing transformational initiatives and measurable outcomes. He highlighted the Government’s sustained support for the science and technology sector through enhanced investments, promotion of public-private partnerships, and flagship initiatives such as the National Quantum Mission and the IndiaAI Mission.
The Minister called for greater collaboration among scientific institutions, IITs, universities, industry, medical institutes and state governments to translate research into field-level solutions. Appreciating the collaborative initiatives being undertaken by NECTAR and other institutions, he urged all organisations to work in a convergent mission mode aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and the Prime Minister’s development priorities for the North Eastern Region. He also stressed the importance of taking technology to the grassroots to improve livelihoods and generate employment, while reviewing the progress of the National Seismological Network, which has significantly strengthened earthquake monitoring across the seismically active Northeastern region.
Congratulating NECTAR and its partner institutions for their achievements, Dr. Singh said the initiatives reflect the Government of India’s commitment to harnessing science and technology for inclusive development and improving the quality of life of people in the North Eastern Region.
