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 transformative development projects worth Rs 635 crore across Assam. Speaking on the occasion, Scindia described Assam as “the heartbeat of a rising Northeast, where the mighty Brahmaputra flows as a symbol of continuity, courage, and creativity.” He said Assam, long the gateway to India’s eastern renaissance, is now emerging as the innovation and connectivity hub of a Viksit Purvottar.
The Minister laid the foundation stone for key projects include:
- Infrastructure Development of 65 New Secondary School Buildings Rs 455 Cr
- Upgradation of Chayagaon–Ukium Road Rs 102.69 Cr
- RCC Bridge at Silonijan–Dhansiri Par Ghat Rs 20.59 Cr
- Development of Industrial Estate at Ramphalbil (Kokrajhar) Rs 14.40 Cr
- Development of Industrial Estate at Lakhibazar (Baksa) Rs 18.40 Cr
NEST CLUSTER AT IIT GUWAHATI: NORTH EAST’S INNOVATION NERVE CENTRE
The North Eastern Science & Technology (NEST) Cluster, established with an investment of Rs 22.98 crore, will serve as the nerve centre of the Northeast’s innovation ecosystem transforming local wisdom into global solutions. It will focus on four verticals: Grassroots Innovation; Semiconductors & Artificial Intelligence; Bamboo-Based Technologies; Biodegradable Plastics.
The NEST Cluster will complement DoNER’s youth-centric programmes such as NE-SPARKS and Ashtalakshmi Darshan, through which 3,200 students from across India will visit the Northeast, while 800 Northeastern students will undertake scientific exposure visits to ISRO.
SHOWCASING CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY AT IIT GUWAHATI
During his visit to the IIT Guwahati exhibition, the Minister interacted with students and researchers showcasing innovations in 6G communication, biodegradable polymers, bamboo tissue culture, and low-field MRI systems for accessible healthcare. Reviewing the biodegradable polymer project, Scindia remarked, “If you get this going, it will be the future,” commending the students’ spirit of scientific curiosity and sustainable innovation.
As part of the NEST Mission’s focus on inclusive innovation, 30 rural women from Kamrup District were felicitated for completing training in biodegradable toy manufacturing using Industry 4.0 technologies. They will now receive continued support to establish their own micro-enterprises. He also unveiled the NEST Cluster logo, beautifully designed by rural women trained in sustainable toy manufacturing, reflecting the spirit of innovation rooted in inclusivity and empowered by Nari Shakti.
Scindia underlined that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, the Northeast has undergone a remarkable transformation from being landlocked to land-linked and future-ready.
Over Rs 6.2 lakh crore has been invested in the region through the 10% Gross Budgetary Support policy, driving growth, enterprise, and empowerment. He highlighted landmark projects such as the Bogibeel Bridge, Bhupen Hazarika Setu, Sela Tunnel, and Jogighopa Multi-Modal Logistics Park, which have redefined Assam’s connectivity landscape.
He added that the Act East Policy has opened new trade frontiers, reducing travel time between Kolkata and Agartala from 31 hours to just 10 through new rail and road links to Bangladesh.
The Minister also noted Prime Minister Modi’s recent projects worth Rs 6,500 crore in Darrang and Rs 18,530 crore across Assam, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to holistic growth spanning health, education, energy, and industry.
Scindia said the Northeast, once seen as the periphery, has now become India’s eastern gateway to prosperity. He lauded Assam’s ethos of “Xobhe xokolore loi thoka xomaj” a society that carries everyone together and said that every project launched today strengthens that unity. Invoking the blessings of Maa Kamakhya, he expressed confidence that Assam will continue to lead the Northeast’s march toward Viksit Bharat @ 2047 through the combined power of education, innovation, and enterprise.
