Important Facts of the News
- North Eastern Science & Technology (NEST) Cluster inaugurated at IIT Guwahati.
- ₹635 crore development projects launched across Assam.
- ₹455 crore allotted for constructing 65 new secondary school buildings.
- Upgradation of Chayagaon–Ukium Road: ₹102.69 crore.
- RCC bridge construction at Silonijan–Dhansiri Par Ghat: ₹20.59 crore.
- Industrial estates coming up in Ramphalbil and Lakhibazar worth ₹14.40 crore and ₹18.40 crore respectively.
- NEST Cluster investment: ₹22.98 crore with focus on AI, semiconductors, bamboo, and biodegradable plastics.
- 3,200 students to visit Northeast via NE-SPARKS; 800 students to visit ISRO.
- ₹6.2 lakh crore invested in the Northeast through 10% GBS policy under Modi government.
- Act East Policy reduces Kolkata–Agartala travel time from 31 to 10 hours.
Scindia Opens NEST Cluster, Launches ₹635 Crore Projects
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurated the North Eastern Science & Technology (NEST) Cluster at IIT Guwahati and laid the foundation stone for several major development initiatives worth ₹635 crore across Assam. These projects aim to further position the state as a hub for innovation, economic growth, and connectivity in the Northeast.
Boost to Assam’s Educational and Industrial Landscape
The largest portion of the investment, ₹455 crore, will fund the construction of 65 new secondary school buildings. Additional infrastructure ventures include the upgradation of the Chayagaon–Ukium Road at a cost of ₹102.69 crore and a new RCC bridge at Silonijan–Dhansiri Par Ghat for ₹20.59 crore. Two industrial estates, located in Ramphalbil and Lakhibazar, have also been cleared with investments of ₹14.40 crore and ₹18.40 crore respectively.
NEST Cluster: A High-Tech Future for the Northeast
With a budget of ₹22.98 crore, the NEST Cluster will support innovation in four areas: grassroots technologies, artificial intelligence and semiconductors, bamboo processing, and biodegradable materials. The project will work in tandem with youth-centric programmes such as NE-SPARKS and Ashtalakshmi Darshan, offering exposure tours to thousands of students across India and the Northeast.
Tech Showcase at IIT Guwahati
Scindia also engaged with researchers and students at an exhibition featuring 6G communication technologies, bamboo tissue culture, eco-friendly polymers, and low-cost MRI machinery. He particularly appreciated efforts in biodegradable polymers, calling them the future of sustainable manufacturing.
Women Empowerment Through Innovation
As part of the mission’s outreach, 30 rural women from Kamrup were honored for completing training in biodegradable toy making. These women will now be supported in building their own micro-businesses, showcasing a blend of tradition and modern enterprise. The NEST Cluster logo unveiled during the event was also designed by these women.
Assam’s Growth Under National Initiatives
Highlighting the transformation in the Northeast under current policies, Scindia said the region has evolved from landlocked to land-linked with a strong push toward infrastructure and connectivity. The 10% Gross Budgetary Support policy has pumped over ₹6.2 lakh crore into the region, while projects like the Bogibeel Bridge and Sela Tunnel are reshaping its connectivity.
The Minister emphasized the importance of the Act East Policy in opening new bridges of trade and culture, noting the drastic reduction in travel time between Kolkata and Agartala from 31 to 10 hours. He reiterated the Centre’s vision for a developed Northeast in line with Viksit Bharat 2047.
A Vision for Inclusive Growth
Expressing pride in Assam’s inclusive culture, Scindia said the state is poised to lead the Northeast’s progress through strong foundations in education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He also invoked the blessings of Maa Kamakhya for the region’s continued rise as India’s eastern frontier of growth and opportunity.
