“New India” won’t be created unless there is no “New North East” : Singh

Shillong, Jul 11: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that a “New India” won’t be created unless there is no “New North East”.
Addressing the concluding 67th Plenary meeting of the North Eastern Council (NEC) here in Meghalaya, Mr Singh said the central and state governments in the Northeast should take advantage of the improving security scenario to develop the region hit by decades of insurgency.
The plenary meeting was attended by Governors and Chief Ministers of the northeastern states, besides Development of North Eastern Region Minister Jitendra Singh and top government officials.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a dream of New India by 2022. The dream of ‘New India’ will be realised with the vision of a ‘New North East’, the Home Minister said.
Stating that ‘New North East’ will emerge with better Road Connectivity and Information Technology, Mr Singh, who is also the NEC Chairman, said, “The North East needs better Road Connectivity and the economic potential of the
region will be realised with better connectivity.”
Stressing on the need to provide internet connectivity, he said, “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.”
Stating that ITIs and Polytechnic Institutes should play a role in Skill Development, Mr Singh said, “NEC should also consider setting up the Regional Institute for Skill Development to create employment and income generation and help in containing the insurgency problems in the region.
“The North-Eastern states need to create a conducive 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 said.