Shillong: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday a budget of Rs 6,000 crore has been fixed for the next 3-4 years under the PM-Divine scheme to give a new impetus to the development of the North East by ensuring easy approval of big development projects.

Modi also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated and dedicated to the nation multiple projects worth over Rs 2,450 crore in Shillong. Earlier in the day, the prime minister attended the meeting of the North Eastern Council at the State Convention Centre in Shillong and participated in its golden jubilee celebrations.

Throwing light on the emphasis on sports development, the Prime Minister highlighted that the Centre is moving forward with a new approach and its benefits can be clearly seen in the North Eastern regions as well.

“Development is not limited to budget, tenders, laying foundation stones and inaugurations”, the Prime Minister continued as he stated that such was the norm even before 2014, “the transformation that we witness today is a result of the change in our intentions, resolutions, priorities and our work culture. The results can be seen in our processes.”

Giving examples of infrastructural developments in the North East, the Prime Minister highlighted the fast-paced work to connect all the capitals of the North East, including Shillong, with rail service and the increase in number of weekly flights from 900 before 2014 to 1900.

Discussing India’s commitment towards net zero, Prime Minister said the Northeast can become a powerhouse of hydropower. This will make the states of the region power surplus, help in expansion of industries and generate a large number of jobs.

Discussing the tourism potential of the region, he said that both culture and nature of the region are attracting tourists from across the world. He added that tourism circuits are being identified and developed in the region also. He also discussed sending students from 100 universities to Northeast, which will help bring people of different regions closer. These students can then become ambassadors of the region.

Modi also discussed India's G20 Presidency and said that its meetings would witness people from all over the world coming to the Northeast. This will be an apt opportunity to showcase the nature, culture and potential of the region, he said.

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