New Delhi, Mar 11: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah addressed the North-East Students’ & Youth Parliament in New Delhi, emphasizing the region's integral role in India’s cultural and economic growth. The event, organized by the Student Experience in Inter-State Living (SEIL), focused on strengthening national integration and fostering youth engagement.
Shah described the North-East as a culturally significant and diverse region, home to over 220 tribal groups, 200 dialects, and numerous traditional festivals and dance forms. He highlighted its economic potential, particularly in tourism and organic farming, and credited the government’s initiatives for improving infrastructure, connectivity, and peace in the region.
Addressing past challenges, Shah noted that the North-East had suffered decades of insurgency, regionalism, and developmental delays due to separatist movements and internal conflicts. He stated that his party had consistently prioritized the region, citing the establishment of a dedicated ministry under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led government and the Modi government’s focus on integrating the North-East into national development plans.
Shah outlined the government’s efforts to enhance connectivity, announcing that by 2027, all North-Eastern state capitals would be connected by rail, air, and road. He credited the Modi government with reducing both the physical and emotional distance between the North-East and the rest of the country, highlighting peace agreements with insurgent groups that have led to over 10,500 former militants surrendering. He stated that from 2004 to 2014, there were over 11,000 incidents of violence in the region, whereas between 2014 and 2024, the number had decreased by nearly 70 percent.
Shah also detailed investments in infrastructure, mentioning ₹41,000 crore spent on roads, Rs 47,000 crore allocated for rural connectivity, and Rs 18,000 crore for railway expansion. He highlighted the completion of major projects such as the Bhupen Hazarika Setu and a greenfield airport in Arunachal Pradesh. Additionally, he cited the government’s focus on flood management, the use of space technology for developmental planning, and a Rs 27,000 crore semiconductor plant in Assam expected to generate employment opportunities.
Discussing national progress, Shah said that India is moving toward becoming a global leader in multiple sectors, realizing the vision of thinkers like Maharshi Aurobindo and Swami Vivekananda. He emphasized the importance of the New Education Policy in preserving regional languages while aligning India’s education system with global standards.
Shah also lauded SEIL for fostering national unity by enabling students from the North-East to engage with families across the country. He described initiatives like the Vidyarthi Parishad as crucial in shaping the character of young individuals and strengthening their role in nation-building. He concluded by urging youth organizations to work collectively in advancing India’s development and ensuring that initiatives like the Student Parliament contribute to a broader national vision.