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Northeast key to ‘Act East’: Dr Jitendra Singh

Prime Minister's Office
15-December, 2017 19:53 IST
PM to visit Mizoram and Meghalaya tomorrow; will inaugurate various development projects


The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, will visit Mizoram and Meghalaya tomorrow where he will inaugurate various development projects.

“The enchanting and effervescent Northeast calls! Looking forward to visiting Mizoram and Meghalaya tomorrow, where various development projects will be inaugurated. These projects will add impetus to the development journey of the Northeast.

It is my privilege to be dedicating the Tuirial Hydropower Project to the nation at tomorrow’s programme in Aizawl. The completion of this project is a boon for the people of Mizoram.

Giving wings to our Yuva Shakti, DoNER has set up a Rs. 100 crore Northeast Venture Capital Fund. Tomorrow I will be distributing cheques to entrepreneurs from this fund. A spirit of enterprise among the Northeast’s youth augurs well for the empowerment of the region.

In Shillong I will inaugurate the Shillong-Nongstoin-Rongjeng-Tura Road. This project will improve connectivity and further economic growth. I will also address a public meeting.

We see immense potential in the Northeast and are committed to doing everything for the region’s overall progress”, the Prime Minister said.

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Cabinet
15-December, 2017 17:33 IST
Cabinet approves continuation of NLCPR scheme for North East till March 2020

Also approves introduction of new Scheme, NESIDS till March 2020

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the continuation of the existing Non Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) scheme with funding pattern of 90:10 till March, 2020 with an outlay of Rs.5300.00 crore. It would enable completion of ongoing projects.

The Union Cabinet also approved the introduction of new Central Sector Scheme of “North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme” (NESIDS) from 2017-18 with 100% funding from the Central Government to fill up the gaps in creation of infrastructure in specified sectors till March, 2020.

Features of NESIDS:

The new scheme will broadly cover creation of infrastructure under following sectors:-

a) Physical infrastructure relating to water supply, power, connectivity and specially the projects promoting tourism;

b) Infrastructure of social sectors of education and health.

Benefits of NESIDS:

The assets to be created under the new scheme of NESIDS will not only strengthen health care and education facilities in the region but will also encourage tourism thereby the employment opportunities for local youth. The scheme will act as a catalyst in overall development of the region in the years to come.

The Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Manipur, Shri L. Jayantakumar Singh and Officials during the Regional Orientation Workshop for Field Officers of Directorate of Field Publicity, Nagaland & Manipur Region, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, on flagship programmes - Integrated Campaign on “Mission Indradhanush, Mission Parivar Vikas, Tubercolosis and Leprosy” of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in Imphal on December 15, 2017.
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The Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat and the President AWWA, Mrs. Madhulika Rawat with the differently abled children and staff of Asha School and Vishwas Employment Assistance Centre, in New Delhi on December 15, 2017.
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Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
15-December, 2017 17:17 IST
Cabinet approves capital investment subsidy to industrial units located in North Eastern Region (including Sikkim)

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved Capital Investment Subsidy amounting to Rs.264.67 crore to four industrial units located in North Eastern Region (NER) including Sikkim under Central Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme (CCISS), 2007 of North East Industrial Investment and Promotion Policy (NEIIPP), 2007.

The CCEA has also revised financial powers for approval of capital investment subsidy claims upto Rs.500 crore which will be now approved by the Minister of Commerce & Industry. This will facilitate expeditious settlement of claims.

The grant of subsidy to the industrial units will not only provide incentives to the operational units but also boost confidence of existing investors as well as potential investors in the states of NER.

The Government of India has been implementing this Scheme to promote industrialization in North Eastern Region.

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Ministry for Development of North-East Region
15-December, 2017 18:53 IST
Dr Jitendra Singh hails Cabinet decision of 100% Central funding of Northeast projects

The Union Cabinet today approved 100% Central funding of Northeast projects through Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).

While thanking the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for this historic decision with far - reaching benefits, the DoNER Minister Dr Jitendra Singh disclosed that in departure from the earlier practice of 90:10 funding of Northeast projects implying 90% funds from Centre and 10% from the respective State, from now onwards, the Union Cabinet has agreed that the entire 100% of the funding will be borne by the Centre, which will result in a huge relief to the exchequer of the State Government and will also put an end to the frequent requests received from the State Governments about lack of funds for them to contribute their share.

This path-breaking decision, he hoped, will put an end to undue delay in the execution of various development projects in the region and will be a major booster for the eight States of the North-Eastern region.

The new scheme under the name "North-East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme" (NESIDS), according to Dr Jitendra Singh, is being introduced from the year 2017-18, thus restructuring the existing DoNER Scheme of "Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources" (NLCPR).

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Ministry for Development of North-East Region
15-December, 2017 15:38 IST
Year End Review: Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER)

Following are the major highlights of the activities of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) during the year 2017:

Ø In a landmark decision, the President of India in November promulgated the Indian Forest (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017 to exempt bamboo grown in non-forest areas from the definition “Tree”, thereby dispensing with the requirement of obtaining a permit for felling of bamboo for economic use. The decision following the approval by the Union Cabinet in a meeting chaired by the Prime Minster Shri Narendra Modi has been hailed as historic because the bamboo was legally defined as a "Tree" under the Indian Forest Act, 1927 which proved to be a major impediment for bamboo cultivation by non-farmers on non-forest land.


Ø In October, the Government constituted a high-level committee for proper management of the water resources in the North Eastern Region (NER) under the Chairmanship of Vice-Chairman, Niti Aayog. This is a sequel to the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit to Guwahati in August this year to review the flood situation and relief work in the North Eastern States. The Committee would facilitate optimising benefits of appropriate water management in the form of hydro-electric power, agriculture, bio-diversity conservation, reduced flood damage erosion, inland water transport, forestry, fishery and eco-tourism. Ministry of DoNER serves as the coordinating point. The Committee will submit its report, including Plan of Action, by June, 2018. The same month, the Ministry of DoNER sanctioned Rs 200 crore for flood affected reconstruction works in the four North Eastern States of Assam, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. This year witnessed unprecedented floods and the rainfall was more than 100% higher than that in the preceding months during the same period of time. Earlier during his visit to Northeast in August to review the flood situation in the four States, the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had announced a flood relief package of Rs 2,000 crore.


Ø Ministry of DoNER started an extensive exercise to reorient and rejuvenate the North Eastern Council (NEC) in a new format so that it could perform the effective role of an important resource-cum-research centre for the entire region and could be developed as the hub of innovation for the upliftment of entire Northeast. The MoS Dr Jitendra Singh said that a proposal in this regard has already been circulated and is presently under the active consideration of the Government of India. NEC was set up way back in early 1970s with the intention to give special focus to the development of this region.


Ø On 3rd December, MoS Dr Jitendra Singh announced Rs. 90 crore for "Northeast Hill Area Development" beginning from Tamenglong district on a pilot basis, in the first phase, for a period of two years. Inaugurating a two-week "Northeast handicraft-cum-handloom Exhibition-cum-Sale Bonanza" in New Delhi, he said the Ministry of DoNER got engaged in a detailed discussion with the Department of Expenditure and it was realised that for pursuing the additional objective of public welfare, an additional vertical sub-scheme may be created under the existing schemes for the Hill Area Development in the North Eastern States.


Ø MoS Dr Jitendra Singh announced the launch of “Hill Area Development Programme” (HADP) for Northeast in Imphal (Manipur) on June 05, 2017. The announcement was made during a meet of Investors and Entrepreneurs, organised by NEDFi (North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd), with joint participation of the Ministry of DoNER and the Government of Manipur. The scheme will benefit the hilly areas of Manipur, Tripura and Assam.


Ø On 16th November, a two-day “12th North-East Business Summit” was inaugurated by MoS Dr Jitendra Singh in New Delhi. The summit aimed to explore the scope for business opportunities in the North-Eastern region of India. Focus areas were Infrastructure and Connectivity with Public Private Partnership, Skill Development, Financial Inclusion, Services Sector Development- Particularly in Tourism, Hospitality & Food Processing.


Ø Northeast is all set to get India’s first-ever "Air Dispensary" based in a helicopter and the Union Ministry of Development of Northeast (DONER) has already contributed Rs. 25 crore as part of the initial funding for this initiative. MoS Dr Jitendra Singh said that the DoNER Ministry had been exploring the idea of introducing a helicopter based Dispensary/OPD service in far flung and remote areas, where no doctor or medical facility was available. The proposal put forward by the Ministry of DoNER, he said, has been accepted and is in the final stages of process in the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation.


Ø An announcement was made on August 16, 2017 that a North Eastern Cultural and Information Centre will be set up in Delhi. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) had allotted a land measuring 5341.75 sqm. (1.32 acre) at Sector-13, Dwarka, New Delhi, at a cost of approx Rs. 6 crore, to North Eastern Council (NEC) for the purpose of construction of North Eastern Cultural and Information Centre. This Centre will act as a cultural and convention/information hub of the North Eastern Region in Delhi.


Ø The foundation stone of Barak Hostel in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus in New Delhi was laid on July 24, 2017. Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasised on the occasion that JNU has more than 8,000 students, out of which there are more students from Northeast than any other State outside NE region. He said that last year, the Foundation Stone of a Hostel exclusively for Northeast girl students was also laid in Bangalore University.


Ø Conference titled “North East India: Organic Production Hub; Opportunities Unexplored” was organized during the prestigious World Food India 2017, on 4th November in New Delhi. NE region has about 50 species of bamboo, about 14 varieties of banana and 17 varieties of citrus fruits. The NE region also has huge production of fruits such as pineapple and oranges. There are 3 Mega Food Parks in North East, in the states of Assam, Tripura and Mizoram. The state of Sikkim has been declared the first Organic State of India.


Ø The first meeting of the Japan-India Coordination Forum (JICF) for DoNER was held in New Delhi on August 03, 2017. Secretary, DoNER, Shri Naveen Verma led the Indian side while the Japanese delegation was led by the Japanese Ambassador to India, Mr. Kenji Hiramatsu. Priority areas of cooperation identified by Indian side including Connectivity and Road Network Development, especially inter-State roads & major district roads; Disaster Management; Food Processing; Organic Farming and Tourism.


Ø An event “Pioneering Business Idea Challenge” was co-hosted by the Ministry of DoNER (MDoNER) and North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi) at Tezpur University, as part of the University's Sampark-2017, which is an industry-academia interaction aimed at providing a platform for the students/budding entrepreneurs of the North Eastern Region on July 19, 2017. During the event, Business Plan Contests were conducted. Out of 60 plans received, 15 plans were shortlisted and based on the presentations made, 3 business plans were awarded.


Ø An e-Office of North Eastern Council (NEC) which has its headquarters at Shillong in Meghalaya, was launched through video conferencing in New Delhi on May 03, 2017. The formal launching was ceremonised by submission of a file from the NEC, Shillong to the DoNER Minister’s Office, New Delhi, which was then duly approved for the holding of the next plenary meeting of the NEC.


Ø The 11th North East Business Summit (NEBS) was organized in New Delhi on March 09-10, 2017. The two-day event served as an initiative to facilitate investment, highlight strengths of the NER and business opportunities which North-East has to offer. Union Minister for Railways in a video message delivered on the occasion, said an e-commerce portal will soon be launched to sell NER handicrafts and handloom worldwide on the IRCTC website. He said the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council has assured providing land for expansion of the rail link to Darjeeling, which will be further extended to Sikkim.


Ø The two-day “North East Calling” festival was inaugurated in New Delhi on September 9, 2017. On the occasion, The ‘North East Venture Fund’ was also launched, which is a joint initiative of Ministry of DoNER and North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd. The objective of the fund is to promote entrepreneurship and Start up in the North Eastern Region. It is the first dedicated Venture Fund for the region with a corpus of Rs 100 crores. The Minister also launched North East Tourism Development Council with objective to promote sustainable tourism in North East India.


Ø The three-day (from March 06-08, 2017) 'Destination North East-2017' festival was organized at Chandigarh. It was organized by Ministry of DoNER with a focus on the use of appropriate technology for the development of North East Region.


Ø Detailed discussion with Members of Parliament from Northeast on the various facets of GST was carried out by the MoS Dr Jitendra Singh. At a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for Ministry of DoNER in New Delhi on June 08, 2017, the members expressed their views about the tax provisions relating to North Eastern handicrafts & handloom products, broom-sticks and bamboo products.


Ø MoS Dr Jitendra Singh and Assam Chief Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the Digidhan Mela organized in Guwahati on 11th January. On the occasion, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal launched “Toka Paisa” e-wallet for initiative towards cashless economy. The Mela was organized by the Government of Assam in collaboration with IT Department and NITI Aayog.



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Prime Minister's Office
16-December, 2017 12:37 IST
Text of PM’s address at the ceremony to dedicate the Tuirial Hydro Electric Power Project to the Nation in Aizawl, Mizoram


Friends,

चिबई वेक उले

इन दम एम

प्रधानमंत्री के तौर पर मुझे पहली बार मिजोरम आने का अवसर मिला है। उत्तर पूर्व के राज्य, जिन्हें हम Eight Sisters कहते हैं, उनमें से यही एक राज्य था, जहां मैं प्रधानमंत्री के तौर पर अभी तक नहीं आ पाया था। इसलिए मैं सबसे पहले आपका क्षमाप्रार्थी हूं। हालांकि प्रधानमंत्री बनने से पहले मैं मिजोरम आता रहा हूं। यहां के शांत-सुंदर वातावरण से भली-भांति मैं परिचित हूं। यहां के मिलनसार लोगों के बीच मैंने बहुत अच्छा समय गुजारा है। अभी जब आपके बीच आया हूं तो वो पुरानी यादें फिर से ताजा हो जाना बहुत सुभाविक है।

My visit to your beautiful State today, brings back fond memories, of good times spent with the friendly people of Mizoram.Let me begin by wishing you, and indeed, all the people of Mizoram, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

May the New Year bring happiness and prosperity to all.

As I arrived in Aizawl a short while ago, I was thrilled to witness once again, the enchanting beauty of Mizoram: the "Land of the Hill People."

A land of peace and calm.

A people so warm and hospitable.

A State with one of the highest literacy rates in India.

उत्तर पूर्वी राज्यों में विकास को लेकर अटल जी के कार्यकाल में बहुत गंभीर प्रयास हुए थे। अटल जी कहते थे आर्थिक सुधार का एक बड़ा मकसद है क्षेत्रीय भेदभाव को पूरी तरह खत्म करना। इस दिशा में उन्होंने काफी कदम भी उठाए थे।

2014 में हमारी सरकार बनी तो एक बार फिर इस क्षेत्र को, हम सरकार की नीतियों और फैसलों में आगे लेकर आए हैं। मैंने तो एक नियम बना दिया था कि हर 15 दिन में कैबिनेट का कोई ना कोई मंत्री उत्तर पूर्व के राज्यों का दौरा जरूर करेगा। ये भी नहीं होगा कि सुबह आए, दिन में किसी event में हिस्सा लिया और शाम को वापस चला जाए। मैं चाहता था कि मंत्रिमंडल के मेरे साथी यहां रुककर, आपके बीच रहकर आपकी आवश्यकताओं को समझें, उनके मुताबिक अपने मंत्रालयों में नीतियां बनाएं।

साथियों, मुझे बताया गया है कि पिछले तीन वर्षों में मेरे साथी मंत्रियों की 150 से ज्यादा visit उत्तर पूर्व के राज्यों में हो चुकी है। हम इस विजन के साथ काम कर रहे हैं कि अपनी परेशानियां, अपनी आवश्यकताएं बताने के लिए आपको दिल्ली तक संदेश ना भिजवाना पड़े, बल्कि दिल्ली खुद आपके बीच चलकर आए।

इस पॉलिसी को हमने नाम दिया है- Ministry of DoNER At Your Door-step. मंत्रियों से अलग, Development of North East Region मंत्रालय के सचिव भी अपने अफसरों के साथ हर महीने उत्तर पूर्व के किसी ना किसी राज्य में कैंप करते हैं। सरकार के इन प्रयासों का ही नतीजा है कि उत्तर-पूर्व की योजनाओं में तेजी आई है, जो बरसों से अटके हुए प्रोजेक्ट थे, वो आज तेज गति से आगे बढ़ रहे हैं।

As a result of the efforts of the Union Government, schemes for the benefit of the North-Eastern region have been gained momentum. Projects stuck for years, are now progressing.

I just had a glimpse of the impressive exhibition set up here by Self Help Groups, comprising produce from all the eight North-Eastern States.I congratulate the members of these Self Help Groups, for their immense talent and potential. It is a potential that the Union Government is committed to hone, and develop.This is one of the key objectives of the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana.

Self Help Groups are also benefiting through credit linkages provided by the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation, with interest subsidy being provided by the Union Government.

I am told, the Ministry for Development of the North-East Region is also supporting the activities of the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation; and the North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation.

These Public Sector Under-takings are engaged in training and hand holding artisans, weavers and farmers, for marketing and food processing.

Technologies and products developed by Institutions such as CSIR, ICAR and the IITs should be studied for possible adoption in the North-East, to enable value addition of local produce.

Friends! Today we gather here to celebrate a significant mile-stone in the history of Mizoram:

The completion and dedication of the 60 Mega-Watt Tuirial Hydro-power Project. This comes13 years after the last major central sector hydro-power project in the North-Eastern Region--the Kopili Stage-II.

Tuirial Hydro-power project is the first major Central Sector Project to be successfully commissioned in Mizoram. It is the first large hydro-power project in the State. It will produce 251 Million Units of electrical energy every year, and boost the socio-economic development of the State.

With the commissioning of this project, Mizoram becomes the third power-surplus State in the North-East, after Sikkim and Tripura.

The project was first declared and cleared by the Union Government of Prime Minister Vajpayee ji, way back in 1998, but got delayed.

The completion of this project is a reflection of our commitment to complete on-going projects and usher in a new era of development in the North Eastern region.

Besides generating electricity, the reservoir water will also open new avenues for navigation. This will provide connectivity to remote villages. The huge reservoir, spread over an area of 45 square kilometers, can also be used for development of fisheries.

This project will boost eco-tourism, and provide a source of assured drinking water supply. I am informed that the State has a hydro-power potential of 2100 Mega-Watts, of which we have so far tapped only a fraction.

I see no reason why Mizoram cannot become a net-power exporter. Our aim is not just to make the North Eastern States power surplus. We also aim to develop a state-of-art transmission system which ensures that surplus power is transferred to other power deficient parts of the country.

My Government is investing close to Rupees10,000 crores for a comprehensive improvement in the power transmission system in the North Eastern States.

साथियों, स्वतंत्रता के 70 वर्ष बाद भी हमारे देश में ऐसे 4 करोड़ घर हैं जिनमें अब तक बिजली का कनेक्शन नहीं है। आप अंदाजा लगा सकते हैं कि वो लोग किस तरह 18वीं सदी की जिंदगी जीने के लिए मजबूर हैं। यहां मिजोरम में भी हजारों घर ऐसे हैं जो अब भी अंधकार में जिन्दगी गुजार रहे हैं। ऐसे घरों में बिजली पहुँचाने के लिए सरकार ने हाल ही में ‘प्रधानमंत्री सहज बिजली- हर घर’ योजना यानी ‘सौभाग्य’ की शुरूआत की है। हमारा लक्ष्य है जल्द से जल्द देश के हर घर को बिजली कनेक्शन से जोड़ा जाए।

इस योजना पर लगभग 16 हजार करोड़ रुपये खर्च किये जायेंगे। जिन गरीबों को इस योजना के तहत बिजली कनेक्शन दिया जाएगा उनसे connection के लिए सरकार कोई पैसा नहीं वसूलेगी। हम चाहते हैं कि गरीबों की जिंदगी में उजाला आए, उनकी जिंदगी रोशन हो।

साथियों, अगर देश के बाकी हिस्सों से तुलना करें तो देखने में आता है कि उत्तर-पूर्व में नए उद्यमियों की संख्या में उतनी वृद्धि नहीं हुई, जितनी होनी चाहिए थी। इसकी एक बड़ी वजह यह थी कि नौजवानों को अपना कारोबार करने के लिए जरूरी पूँजी नहीं मिल पाती थी। नौजवानों की इसी आवश्यकता को समझते हुए सरकार ने प्रधानमंत्री मुद्रा योजना, Startup India योजना, Stand up India योजना जैसी योजनाओं की शुरूआत की। उत्तर-पूर्व को विशेष ध्यान में रखते हुए DONER मंत्रालय ने 100 करोड़ रुपए की राशि से एक Venture Capital Fund भी बनाया है। मेरा मिजोरम के नौजवानों से आग्रह है कि वो केंद्र सरकार की इन योजनाओं का ज्यादा से ज्यादा फायदा उठाएं। यहां के नौजवान Start up की दुनिया में छा जाने का हौसला रखते हैं, क्षमता रखते हैं। भारत सरकार ऐसे नौजवानों की hand-holding के लिए प्रतिबद्ध है।

We are betting on the skills and strengths of India's youth. We believe in 'empower through enterprise' - which is creating the right eco-system for innovation and enterprise to flourish so that our land is home to the next big ideas that can transform humanity.

In 2022, India will complete 75 years of independence, the next five years provide an opportunity to plan and build on our achievements, to make a quantum leap in all spheres of development.

Building a New India by 2022 requires us to work towards the twin goals of increasing economic growth as well as ensuring that the fruits of growth are shared by all. In the spirit of सबका साथ, सबका विकास, every Indian, irrespective of caste, gender, religion, class must have equal opportunities to partake in the new prosperity.

My Government believes in competitive and cooperative federalism, where there is healthy competition between States. I am convinced that States are the main drivers of change.

We have taken a number of initiatives to infuse healthy competition among States. A Committee of Chief Ministers made recommendations to rationalize Centrally Sponsored Schemes. We duly accepted the recommendations.

Despite fiscal constraints, the sharing pattern of core centrally sponsored schemes for North Eastern States has been continued at 90-10. For other schemes, it stands at 80-20.

Friends, The vision of New India can be realized only if the fruits of development reach all.

The Union Government has plans to focus on around 115 districts which are relatively backward when evaluated on various social indicators. This will also benefit the backward districts of North Eastern States including Mizoram.

Just yesterday, we approved a new Central Sector Scheme. The North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme will fill the gaps in creation of infrastructure in two sectors.

One sector is physical infrastructure relating to water supply, power, connectivity and especially projects promoting tourism.

The other is social sector projects of education and health. The new scheme has been designed after due consultations with State Governments.However, to ensure continuity, all ongoing projects under NLCPR will be provided funds for completion by March 2022.

The new Scheme will be 100 percent centrally funded as against the NLCPR, where 10 percent contribution had to come from the State Governments.

The Central Government will be providing Rupees 5300 Crore to North Eastern States under the Scheme over the next three years.

Lack of connectivity is one of the biggest hurdles in the path of development of the North Eastern Region. We aim for a Transformation by Transportation through investment in infrastructure in the region.

The Union Government has sanctioned over 3800 kilometers of National Highway with an investment of Rupees 32000 crore during last three years, out of which nearly 1200 kilometers of road has already been constructed.

The Union Government will be investing another Rupees 60,000 crore under Special Accelerated Road Development Programme in the North-East and Rs. 30,000 crore under Bharatmala in the next two to three years to build a network of high-ways and roads in the North East Region. We are committed to bring all the State Capitals of North East Region on the Rail map.

The Government of India is executing 15 New Rail Line projects of 1385 kilometers length, at a cost of over Rs.47,000 crore.

The railways reached Mizoram last year, with the inauguration of the rail line connecting Bhairabi in Mizoram with Silchar in Assam.

I had laid the foundation for a new line to take rail connectivity to Aizawl in 2014.

With the support of the State Government, we shall connect the State Capital Aizawl with broad gauge rail line.

The Union Government has been proactively following the ‘Act East Policy’. As a gate-way to South East Asia, Mizoram stands to gain immensely from this. It can emerge as a key transit point for trade with Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Various bilateral projects are at various stages of completion. Some of the major initiatives include the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, the Rih-Tedim Road Project and Border Haats.

All these will increase the scope for economic linkages, and contribute to the overall economic growth and development of the North-Eastern Region.

Friends, The high literacy rate, scenic beauty and availability of large English speaking population in Mizoram make for a perfect blend to develop the State as a model tourist destination.

The State offers significant scope for adventure tourism, cultural tourism, eco-tourism, wild-life tourism, and community-based rural tourism. If developed well, tourism can emerge as the biggest employer in the state.The Union Government has sanctioned two tourism projects worth 194 crore rupees for Mizoram in the last 2 years, to promote eco-tourism and adventure tourism.The Central Government has already released 115 crore rupees for implementation of these projects.

The Government is also committed to provide assistance for maintenance and up-keep of various wild-life sanctuaries and national parks in Mizoram with a view to attract tourists. Let us work together to make Mizoram one of the top tourism destinations in India.

साथियों, हमारे देश का ये हिस्सा, बहुत आसानी से खुद को Carbon Negative घोषित कर सकता है। हमारे साथी भूटान ने ऐसा करके दिखाया है। राज्य सरकारों की तरफ से प्रयास बढ़े तो उत्तर-पूर्व के आठों राज्य Carbon Negative हो सकते हैं। Carbon Negative राज्यों की पहचान देश के इस क्षेत्र को पूरे विश्व मानचित्र पर एक बड़े brand के तौर पर स्थापित कर सकती है। इसी तरह जैसे सिक्कम ने खुद को 100 प्रतिशत organic State घोषित किया है, वैसे ही उत्तर पूर्व के अन्य राज्य भी इस दिशा में अपने प्रयासों को और तेज कर सकते हैं।

Organic Farming को बढ़ावा देने के लिए केंद्र सरकार ने परंपरागत कृषि विकास योजना का आरम्भ किया है।

इसके तहत सरकार देश भर में 10 हजार से ज्यादा organic clusters विकसित कर रही है। North-East में भी 100 Farmer Producers Organisations बनाए गए हैं। इनसे 50 हजार से ज्यादा किसानों को जोड़ा जा चुका है। यहां के किसान Organic Produce दिल्ली में बेच सकें, इसके लिए भी व्यवस्था की गई है।

साथियों, 2022 में हमारा देश अपनी स्वतंत्रता के 75 वर्ष का पर्व मनाएगा। मिजोरम ये संकल्प ले सकता है कि 2022 तक वो खुद को 100 प्रतिशत Organic और Carbon Negative State के तौर पर विकसित कर लेगा। मैं मिजोरम के लोगों को ये भरोसा दिलाना चाहता हूं कि इस संकल्प की सिद्धि में केंद्र सरकार हर तरह से उनके साथ खड़ी है। हम आपकी छोटी-छोटी दिक्कतों को समझ कर, उन्हें सुलझा रहे हैं। जैसे मैं आपको Bamboo का उदाहरण देना चाहता हूं।

The Bamboo which is a source of livelihood for lakhs of people of North East, has been under a very restrictive regulatory regime. You could not transport or sell the Bamboo produced in your own field without a permit. Our Government with an aim to reduce this pain, has changed the regulatory regime. Now there will be no requirement of any permit or permission for producing, transporting and selling Bamboo and its products produced by farmers in their own fields. This will benefit lakhs of farmers and will add to the efforts to double farmers’ income by 2022.

मैं मिजोरम आया हूँ और फुटबॉल की बात न करूं ऐसा हो नहीं सकता। यहां के मशहूर खिलाड़ी जेजे ललपेखलुए ने पूरे देश का ध्यान खींचा है। और मिजोरम में फुटबॉल तो जैसे घर-घर का हिस्सा है। मुझे बताया गया है कि FIFA का पायलट प्रोजेक्ट और अइज़ोल फुटबाल क्लब स्थानीय टैलेंट को और मजबूत कर रहे हैं।

जब मिजोरम ने 2014 में पहली बार संतोष ट्राफी जीती थी तो पूरे देश के फुटबॉल प्रेमियों ने मिजोरम के लिए तालियां बजाई थीं। मैं मिजोरम के लोगों को खेल की दुनिया में उनकी उपलब्धियों के लिए बहुत-बहुत बधाई देता हूँ। फुटबॉल एक ऐसी Soft-power है जिसके दम पर मिजोरम पूरी दुनिया में अपनी पहचान बना सकता है।

The soft power of football can become Mizoram’s global identity. There are many other prominent sports persons from Mizoram who have brought glory to the State and the country. These include the Olympian Archer C. Lalremsanga , boxer Ms. Jenny Lalremliani, weight lifter Ms. Lalchhahimi, and hockey player Ms. Lalruatfeli.

I am sure, Mizoram shall continue to provide sportspersons who shall excel on the world stage.

साथियों, दुनिया में कई देशों की अर्थव्यवस्थाएं सिर्फ और सिर्फ Sports के भरोसे चल रही हैं। अलग-अलग तरह के खेलों के लिए आवश्यक माहौल तैयार करके ऐसे देश दुनिया भर के लोगों को आकर्षित करते हैं। North-East में Sports की अपार क्षमता को देखते हुए ही केंद्र सरकार इस क्षेत्र में, इंफाल में Sports University की भी स्थापना कर रही है।

स्पोर्ट्स यूनिवर्सिटी बनने के बाद यहां के नौजवानों को Sports और उससे जुड़ी हर तरह की Training लेने में और आसानी हो जाएगी। हमारी तो तैयारी ये भी है कि University बनने के बाद उसके कैंपस भारत ही नहीं दुनिया के दूसरे देशों में भी खोले जाएं, ताकि यहां का खिलाड़ी दूसरे देशों में भी जाकर Sports से जुड़ी Training ले सके।

I see Aizawl wearing a colorful and festive look, and fully geared up for celebrating Christmas. I once again wish you all and the people of Mizoram a Merry Christmas.

Thank you.

इन वाया छूंगा क-लौम ए मंगछा

***

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being received by the Governor of Mizoram, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Nirbhay Sharma and the Chief Minister of Mizoram, Shri Pu Lalthanhawla, on his arrival, at Aizawl on December 16, 2017.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being received by the Governor of Mizoram, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Nirbhay Sharma and the Chief Minister of Mizoram, Shri Pu Lalthanhawla, on his arrival, at Aizawl on December 16, 2017.


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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being received by the Governor of Mizoram, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Nirbhay Sharma and the Chief Minister of Mizoram, Shri Pu Lalthanhawla, on his arrival, at Aizawl on December 16, 2017.


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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi unveils the plaque to mark the dedication of Tuirial Hydro Electric Power Project to the Nation, at Assam Rifles Cant, Aizawl on December 16, 2017. The Governor of Mizoram, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Nirbhay Sharma, the Chief Minister of Mizoram, Shri Pu Lalthanhawla, the Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh and the Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh are also seen.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi unveils the plaque to mark the dedication of Tuirial Hydro Electric Power Project to the Nation, at Assam Rifles Cant, Aizawl on December 16, 2017. The Governor of Mizoram, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Nirbhay Sharma, the Chief Minister of Mizoram, Shri Pu Lalthanhawla, the Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh and the Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh are also seen.

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi distributing the cheques from North-East Venture Capital Fund launched by the Ministry of DoNER to the entrepreneurs from North-East, at Assam Rifles Cant, Aizawl on December 16, 2017. The Governor of Mizoram, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Nirbhay Sharma, the Chief Minister of Mizoram, Shri Pu Lalthanhawla, the Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh and the Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh are also seen.


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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi distributing the cheques from North-East Venture Capital Fund launched by the Ministry of DoNER to the entrepreneurs from North-East, at Assam Rifles Cant, Aizawl on December 16, 2017. The Governor of Mizoram, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Nirbhay Sharma, the Chief Minister of Mizoram, Shri Pu Lalthanhawla, the Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh and the Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh are also seen.

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi distributing the cheques from North-East Venture Capital Fund launched by the Ministry of DoNER to the entrepreneurs from North-East, at Assam Rifles Cant, Aizawl on December 16, 2017. The Governor of Mizoram, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Nirbhay Sharma, the Chief Minister of Mizoram, Shri Pu Lalthanhawla, the Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh and the Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh are also seen.


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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the ceremony to dedicate the Tuirial Hydro Electric Power Project to the Nation, at Assam Rifles Cant, Aizawl on December 16, 2017.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the ceremony to dedicate the Tuirial Hydro Electric Power Project to the Nation, at Assam Rifles Cant, Aizawl on December 16, 2017.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the gathering at the ceremony to dedicate the Tuirial Hydro Electric Power Project to the Nation, at Assam Rifles Cant, Aizawl on December 16, 2017.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the gathering at the ceremony to dedicate the Tuirial Hydro Electric Power Project to the Nation, at Assam Rifles Cant, Aizawl on December 16, 2017.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the gathering at the ceremony to dedicate the Tuirial Hydro Electric Power Project to the Nation, at Assam Rifles Cant, Aizawl on December 16, 2017.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the gathering at the ceremony to dedicate the Tuirial Hydro Electric Power Project to the Nation, at Assam Rifles Cant, Aizawl on December 16, 2017.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being welcomed on his arrival, at Shillong, in Meghalaya on December 16, 2017.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being welcomed on his arrival, at Shillong, in Meghalaya on December 16, 2017.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being welcomed on his arrival, at Shillong, in Meghalaya on December 16, 2017.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi unveiling the plaque to dedicate to the nation the project of 2 Laning of Shilong-Nongstoin section of NH-106 and Nongstoin-Tura Road of NH-127B, in Meghalaya on December 16, 2017.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi unveiling the plaque to dedicate to the nation the project of 2 Laning of Shilong-Nongstoin section of NH-106 and Nongstoin-Tura Road of NH-127B, in Meghalaya on December 16, 2017.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being briefed about the project of 2 Laning of Shilong-Nongstoin section of NH-106 and Nongstoin-Tura Road of NH-127B, in Meghalaya on December 16, 2017.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being briefed about the project of 2 Laning of Shilong-Nongstoin section of NH-106 and Nongstoin-Tura Road of NH-127B, in Meghalaya on December 16, 2017.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being briefed about the project of 2 Laning of Shilong-Nongstoin section of NH-106 and Nongstoin-Tura Road of NH-127B, in Meghalaya on December 16, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at a ceremony to dedicate to the nation the project of 2 Laning of Shilong-Nongstoin section of NH-106 and Nongstoin-Tura Road of NH-127B, in Meghalaya on December 16, 2017. The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh and other dignitaries are also seen.

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http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...t-says-modi/article21820357.ece?homepage=true

The hydropower project would produce “251 million units” of electrical energy every year and boost the economic development of the state.

Mizoram had become the third power- surplus state in the north-east after Sikkim and Tripura, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday.

He also said the central schemes for the benefit of the north-east had gained momentum and that his government was committed to developing the region.

“Today, we celebrate a significant milestone in the history of Mizoram with the completion and dedication of the 60-MW Tuirial hydropower project,” the Prime Minister said, while addressing a public meeting here after inaugurating it.

With the commissioning of the project, Mizoram became the third power-surplus state in the north-east, he added.

The hydropower project would produce “251 million units” of electrical energy every year and boost the economic development of the state, Mr. Modi said.

“The completion of this project is a reflection of our commitment to completing the ongoing projects and ushering in a new era of development in the north-east,” he added.

The Tuirial project, which was announced and cleared in 1998 by the then Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, was the first major central project to be successfully commissioned in Mizoram, the prime minister said.


The Member Autonomous District Council, Kangpokpi, Autonomous District Council, Manipur, Shri Thongjalun Mate, the Regional Director (Nagaland & Manipur Region), Directorate of Field Publicity (DFP), Shri Mangjangam Touthang and officials, during the Integrated Campaign on “Mission Indradhanush, Mission Parivar Vikas, Tubercolosis and Leprosy” of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Organised by the Directorate of Field Publicity (Nagaland & Manipur Region), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, at Bilei Village, in Kangpokpi Distrct, Manipur on December 16, 2017.
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Ministry of Finance
20-December, 2017 18:55 IST
Loan Agreement signed for Pare Hydroelectric Plant to aid socio-economic development of the North Eastern Region

A Loan agreement and a Guarantee agreement for providing additional funding of Euro 20 million was signed today for the project ‘Pare Hydroelectric Plant’ under Indo-German Bilateral Development Cooperation. The Loan agreement for the project was signed by Sh. A.G. West Kharkongor, Chairman and Managing Director, North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO) and Mr. Christoph Kessler, Director, KFW while the Guarantee Agreement was signed by Sh. S. Selvakumar, Joint Secretary, DEA and Mr. Christoph Kessler, Director, KFW in the presence of H.E. Dr. Martin Ney, Ambassador of Federal Republic of Germany to India,.

It may be recalled that in 2008, Germany had signed a loan agreement with North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO) for providing Euro 80 million with Government of India’s Guarantee for the project ‘Pare Hydroelectric Plant’ under Indo-German Bilateral Development Cooperation. The broad objective of the project is generation of hydroelectric power for socio-economic development of the North Eastern Region. The purpose of the project is efficient and ecological friendly generation of electric power. This will contribute to the economic efficient generation of power, growth in the North East region and protection of global climate.
 
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
21-December, 2017 13:10 IST
Two-day Regional Conference on 'Good Governance and Replication of Best Practices' begins in Guwahati tomorrow

A Regional Conference on 'Good Governance and Replication of Best Practices' begins in Guwahati tomorrow. The two-day conference is being organized by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Government of India in collaboration with the Government of Assam. Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarhanand Sonowal will inaugurate the Conference tomorrow and address the delegates.

The Conference is an effort to create a common platform to share experiences in the formulation and implementation of citizen centric governance, improved public service delivery, Good Governance Index, PM awarded initiatives and awareness on State Collaboration Initiative scheme of DARPG.

There will be six sessions during the conference. The themes of the various sessions are 'Responsive Public Delivery', 'State Collaboration Initiatives in Administrative Reforms', 'PM awarded Initiatives 2017', 'Presentations from North Eastern States on Governance Initiatives by Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland and Meghalaya’ and 'Developing a Good Governance Index for ranking of states' followed by Panel Discussion on 'Connectivity- a prerequisite for e-Governance'.

The Chief Secretary, Government of Assam, Shri Vinod Kumar Pipersenia and the Secretary, DARPG, Government of India, Shri K.V. Eapen will address the Valedictory Session on December 23, 2017.

Delegates from 36 States and UTs will participate in the conference.

******

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
22-December, 2017 20:09 IST
Regional Conference on Good Governance and Best Practices inaugurated

The 2-day Regional Conference on Good Governance and Replication of Best Practices organized by Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) in collaboration with Government of Assam Department of Administrative Reforms was inaugurated today at the Assam Administrative Staff College, Guwahati.

Inaugurating the conference, the Chief Secretary, Government of Assam, Shri Vinod Kumar Pipersenia said that there should be freedom for vertical interaction in the bureaucratic system which will promote innovation and create a congenial atmosphere for progressive administration. The Chief Secretary has made a clarion call for constant skill upgradition as the shelf life of knowledge is short. Society should not make government irrelevant.

Addressing the gathering, Secretary, DARPG, Government of India, Shri K V Eapen, said the aim of organizing this regional conference is to give exposure to Administrative Reforms Department to some Best Practices. He said issue of good governance is a priority. It has to be taken on a war footing .The issue is simplification of procedures, process and Public grievance redressal. Digital India has now begun to transform the nook and corner of the country. He further said E-office is now enhancing public administration. E- governance is the core of good governance, Shri Eapen added.

Earlier in the Technical session, there were panel discussions on State Collaboration Initiative, PM Awarded Initiatives 2017 and Responsive Public Service Delivery. In the State Collaborations Initiative, resource speaker pointed out that the objective was catalyzing promotion and achieving reforms at the cutting edge or point of delivery of Public administration. Under SCI, the strategy is to build collaboration with states government for improving public service delivery. SCI puts citizens at Centre stage, particularly the poor. It Builds capacity at District, State and Centre to ensure optimal use of systems and resources. On the Responsive Public Service Delivery, India ranked 107 out 193 Countries in 2016. On the PM Awarded Initiative, 2017, resource speaker from Tripura said that Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is a Comprehensive Insurance cover against failure of crops to help in stabilizing income of farmer. It encourages farmers to be innovative and modernizing agricultural practices and income flow of credit to Agriculture sector.

***

The Union Home Secretary, Shri Rajiv Gauba addressing a press conference after attending the meeting of NRC Update in Assam, at Guwahati on December 22, 2017.
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The Chief Secretary, Government of Assam, Shri Vinod Kumar Pipersenia, the Secretary, DARPG, Shri K.V. Eapen and other dignitaries at the inaugural session of the Regional Conference on Good Governance and Replication of Best Practices, organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances in collaboration with Department of Administrative Reforms, Government of Assam, at Guwahati on December 22, 2017.
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The Secretary, DARPG, Shri K.V. Eapen delivering the inaugural speech at the Regional Conference on Good Governance and Replication of Best Practices, organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances in collaboration with Department of Administrative Reforms, Government of Assam, at Guwahati on December 22, 2017. The Chief Secretary, Government of Assam, Shri Vinod Kumar Pipersenia and other dignitaries are also seen.
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The Minister of State for Communications (I/C) and Railways, Shri Manoj Sinha and the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu witnessing the signing of an MoU between BSNL and Airtel, at the conference of Chief Ministers of North Eastern States on Implementation of Bharat Net and other Major Telecom Projects in North Eastern Region, in Guwahati on January 16, 2018.

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The Minister of State for Communications (I/C) and Railways, Shri Manoj Sinha and the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu witnessing the signing of an MoU between BSNL and Airtel, at the conference of Chief Ministers of North Eastern States on Implementation of Bharat Net and other Major Telecom Projects in North Eastern Region, in Guwahati on January 16, 2018.
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The Minister of State for Communications (I/C) and Railways, Shri Manoj Sinha addressing the conference of Chief Ministers of North Eastern States on Implementation of Bharat Net and other Major Telecom Projects in North Eastern Region, in Guwahati on January 16, 2018.
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The Minister of State for Communications (I/C) and Railways, Shri Manoj Sinha addressing the press conference after the conference of Chief Ministers of North Eastern States on Implementation of Bharat Net and other Major Telecom Projects in North Eastern Region, in Guwahati on January 16, 2018.
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The Minister of State for Communications (I/C) and Railways, Shri Manoj Sinha inaugurating of 100 Wi-Fi in Manipur, CSC-SPV, at the conference of Chief Ministers of North Eastern States on Implementation of Bharat Net and other Major Telecom Projects in North Eastern Region, in Guwahati on January 16, 2018. The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu and other dignitaries are also seen.
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The Minister of State for Communications (I/C) and Railways, Shri Manoj Sinha launching the Satellite Connectivity to Village of North Eastern Region, at the conference of Chief Ministers of North Eastern States on Implementation of Bharat Net and other Major Telecom Projects in North Eastern Region, in Guwahati on January 16, 2018. The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu and other dignitaries are also seen.
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The Minister of State for Communications (I/C) and Railways, Shri Manoj Sinha interacting with the Villagers of Bharat Net Enabled Gram Panchayats of Manipur by Video Samvad, at the conference of Chief Ministers of North Eastern States on Implementation of Bharat Net and other Major Telecom Projects in North Eastern Region, in Guwahati on January 16, 2018. The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu is also seen.
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Prime Minister's Office
21-January, 2018 10:07 IST
PM greets people of Meghalaya on their Statehood Day

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people of Meghalaya on their Statehood Day.

“I will always cherish the affection of the people of Meghalaya. The state’s natural beauty is enchanting. I pray for good health and wellbeing of the people of Meghalaya”, the Prime Minister said.

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Prime Minister's Office
21-January, 2018 10:05 IST
PM greets people of Manipur on their Statehood Day

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people of Manipur on their Statehood Day.

“May Manipur continue to scale new heights of growth in the times to come”, the Prime Minister said.

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Prime Minister's Office
21-January, 2018 10:02 IST
PM greets people of Tripura on their Statehood Day

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people of Tripura on their Statehood Day.

“Tripura is blessed with a glorious history and industrious youngsters, whose aspirations we are committed to fulfilling”, the Prime Minister said.

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Ministry for Development of North-East Region
29-January, 2018 20:38 IST
PHD Chamber discusses Northeast industry prospects with DoNER Minister Dr Jitendra Singh

A delegation of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by its National President Shri Anil Khaitan and Senior National Vice President Shri Rajeev Talwar, called on Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh here today and held a meeting to discuss the Northeast industry prospects.

Dr Jitendra Singh updated the members of the delegation about the various steps taken in last three years to bring in ease of business and to exploit the unexplored potential of the region. He regretted that, in the past, nearly 40% of the fruit in the region went waste because of lack of storage and transportation facilities. However, he said, with improvement in connectivity and a network of road and railway being spread across all the North Eastern States, this constraint could be overcome to a great extent, he added.

Dr Jitendra Singh also referred to the introduction of “Venture fund” by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) for young Start-Ups. This initiation, he said, has received enthusiastic response from new entrepreneur.

In order to further expose the world community to the vast business potential of North East India, Dr Jitendra Singh said, a mega Business Summit, possibly the first of its kind, is being held at Guwahati on 3rd of February.

The members of the delegation briefed Dr Jitendra Singh about a series of seminars organised by them on the subject of “Multiplying farmers' income : Opportunities in Animal Husbandry – potential for export----Focus North East”. Such seminars were held at Guwahati (Assam), Shillong (Meghalaya) and Agartala (Tripura).
Among the recommendations put forward was the suggestion that farmers in the North Eastern region should follow the strategies of North and South Indian farmers who generate additional income through different activities on the farm like cattle and goat rearing, fish farming etc. New scientific techniques could be adopted and Government could open a facilitation centre for prospective entrepreneurs.

The PHD Chambers leaders also informed the Minister about a series of events planned by them in near future which include a seminar on “Mega food Processing” at Imphal, a seminar on technologies for developing food processing at Aizawl, and a seminar on developing young entrepreneurs at Itanagar.

Dr Jitendra Singh assured all facilitatory support for these initiatives from the Ministry of DoNER. He said, the officials in the DoNER Ministry will coordinate with all the eight states of the region so as to seek maximum gainful outcomes from these initiatives .

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Ministry for Development of North-East Region
01-February, 2018 17:30 IST
Dr Jitendra Singh thanks Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley for announcing 'Bamboo Mission' in budget

The Union Minister of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Dr Jitendra Singh has thanked the Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley for announcing "National Bamboo Mission" in the Annual Budget presented by him today with an allocation of Rs.1,290 crore for it.

Speaking to media persons here today, soon after presentation of the budget, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the Bamboo Mission has a special significance for Northeast and the announcement made by the Finance Minister today is a vindication of the Union Government's continued commitment to the development of the region. He said, it is also a pleasant coincidence that the budget announcement by Shri Arun Jaitley has come close on the heels of the Union Cabinet's decision to amend the 90 year old "Indian Forest Act of 1927" and the amendment has exempted the bamboo grown in the non-forest land from the Forest Act. The Cabinet decision followed by the budget announcement today, will serve as a game-changer by generating revenue and, at the same time, creating avenues of employability, particularly in the Northeast, he added.

Dr Jitendra Singh also lauded the announcement of Rs 10,000 crore as "Fishery Fund" which will also benefit the people in Northeast.

Commenting on the overall highlights of the budget, Dr Jitendra Singh said, while the Finance Minister has been keen to take care of every section of society, the most significant part is the sensitivity with which it has addressed itself to some of those sections which had earlier not received the kind of attention they deserved. For example, this is for the first time that a Government has acknowledged the contribution of the salaried class which is contributing the bulk of income tax collections throughout the country and accordingly, certain exemptions announced specifically for this class.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, the budget also deserves to be complimented for having evidently addressed the issue of the increasing population of senior citizens in India which is indeed going to become a bigger issue in the years to come. As the average lifespan increases, not only the number of senior citizens increases, but they are also faced with the issues of late-age illness, lack of caretakers for help and financial constraint. This, he said, has been taken care of by exemption of the interest on bank account from income tax up to Rs.50,000, enhancement of the health insurance amount up to Rs.50,000 and hike in medical expenditure.

In addition, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the budget this year has floated a new concept of "Operation Green" with special focus on enhancing the income of the farmers.

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Prime Minister's Office
02-February, 2018 18:29 IST

PM to address the inaugural session of Advantage Assam - Global Investors Summit 2018

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, will address the inaugural session of Advantage Assam - Global Investors Summit 2018, in Guwahati tomorrow.

The two-day Summit will be the largest ever investment promotion and facilitation initiative by the Government of Assam. The Summit aims at highlighting the geo-strategic advantages offered to investors by Assam. The event shall showcase the manufacturing prowess and the opportunities offered by the State in terms of export-oriented manufacturing and services to growing economies in South and South-East Asia.

The Summit will highlight investment opportunities in the State, focusing on: Power, Agriculture & Food Processing, IT & ITeS, River Transport & Port Townships, Plastics & Petrochemicals, Pharmaceuticals & Medical Equipment, Handloom, Textiles & Handicrafts, Tourism, Hospitality & Wellness, Civil Aviation and Petroleum and Natural Gas.

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Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
02-February, 2018 17:29 IST
Celebration of World Wetlands Day at Deepor Beel in Assam

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Science & Technology and Earth Science, Dr. Harsh Vardhan has said that Wetlands play a vital role for the cities and for the humanity. “They serve as a source of drinking water; reduce flooding and the vegetation of wetlands filters domestic and industrial waste and improves water quality. Save them, save humanity”, the Minister said on the occasion of World Wetlands Day today.

In a message on the World Wetlands Day 2018, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said, “On this World Wetlands Day, I appeal to all of you to put your heart and soul into developing a strong movement for “Green Good Deeds” in this country. I think this is our Green Social Responsibility towards the society and the nation and of course for this whole planet. It is our solemn duty to protect the rights of the children, who are yet to take birth. It is our duty also to ensure that we give back to our children an environment which is clean and green.”



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Dr. Harsh Vardhan interacting with school students at his residence today



On the occasion, Dr Vardhan also interacted with hundreds of school and college students, who came to observe the Day with him. An exhibition of posters on “World Wetlands Day” was also put up by National Museum of Natural History, under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in collaboration with Department of Forests, Assam government is organising the national-level celebration of World Wetlands Day (WWD), 2018 at Deepor Beel, a Ramsar Site in Guwahati, today. The 2018 theme ‘Wetlands for a sustainable urban future’ marks the role of healthy wetlands play in making cities and towns liveable, through their role in groundwater recharge, buffering floods, filtering wastewater, enhancing landscape aesthetics, providing income generation opportunities and ultimately supporting well-being.

Secretary, MoEF&CC, Shri. C.K. Mishra, delivered the keynote address at the event. The event is being preceded by a painting competition amongst school children. A technical workshop on Wetlands is also being organized wherein experts will deliberate on strategies for conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

Every year, February 2 is celebrated as World Wetlands Day, to mark the date of adoption of Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. The Convention on Wetlands, called the Ramsar Convention, is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. The Convention was adopted in 1971 at the Iranian City of Ramsar. India is a party to the Convention since 1982, and committed to the Ramsar approach of wise use of wetlands.



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The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as the nodal Ministry for wetlands conservation has been supporting the State Governments/ Union Territories since 1985, in design and implementation of Management Action Plans for conservation and management of wetlands including Ramsar sites. Financial and technical assistance has been provided to State Governments for implementation of Management Action Plans for over 140 wetlands.

According to National Disaster Management Authority, over 40 hectares which means 12% of land in India is prone to floods and river erosion. Wetlands in India account for 4.7% of the total geographical area.



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The Environment Ministry also has urged people from all walks of society to use World Wetlands Day as an opportunity to promote awareness on the significance of wetlands.

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Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation
02-February, 2018 17:17 IST
MoU signed for Twin tower trade centre in Guwahati

WTC to be a trendsetter for being a major trading hub and increase economic Interlinkages : Puri

Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State (I/C) for Housing and Urban Affairs has stated that the government has enacted a pro-active “Act East Policy” to elevate and harness the strengths of North-East India and reduce the isolation of the region by improving all round connectivity and civic infrastructure. The Government of India has planned an investment to the tune of approx. Rs 45,000 crore for the development of India's North-Eastern regions bordering China, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. He was speaking at the MOU signing ceremony on Twin Tower Trade Centre between the Government of Assam & National Building Construction Corporation in Guwahati today.

Addressing those present, Shri Puri informed that Guwahati is one of the 100 Smart cities chosen in a determined bid to recast the urban landscape of the country. It is being established as a Regional Hub for the North East India and a World Class Guwahati City by anchoring and reorienting the city towards its natural assets. The proposed Twin Tower Trade Centre will definitively add to this transformational plan. “I am truly excited by the prospects and possibilities this trade centre will generate once established and made operational, by connecting us with South East Nations and being a major trading hub thereby increasing economic interlinkages”, he added.

“I do realize, that a vision can only be realized when we have the determination to do our very best, take the right decisions and pursue a mix of policies that create the most appropriate environment to facilitate the realisation of that vision. I am aware that NBCC, which comes under my Ministry, is fully equipped with technology, technical capacity, design and intuition to implement this illustrious project and shall proactively work along the lines of sustainable and quality development and deliver the project to Govt of Assam on schedule”, he further added.
 
The Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad inaugurating the E-stamps Service in Assam through Common Service Centre, at Guwahati on February 02, 2018.
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The Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad inaugurating the Sanitary Pad Fabrication Units through Common Service Centre, at Guwahati on February 02, 2018.

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The Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad addressing a press conference, at Guwahati on February 02, 2018.

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being welcomed by the Governor of Assam, Shri Jagdish Mukhi and the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, on his arrival, at Guwahati, in Assam on February 03, 2018.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being welcomed by the Governor of Assam, Shri Jagdish Mukhi and the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, on his arrival, at Guwahati, in Assam on February 03, 2018.

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Mr. Tshering Tobgay at the exhibition Advantage Assam, in Guwahati, Assam on February 03, 2018

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Mr. Tshering Tobgay at the exhibition Advantage Assam, in Guwahati, Assam on February 03, 2018.


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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Mr. Tshering Tobgay at the exhibition Advantage Assam, in Guwahati, Assam on February 03, 2018.


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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the exhibition Advantage Assam, in Guwahati, Assam on February 03, 2018. The Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal is also seen.

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the Advantage Assam- Global Investors Summit 2018, in Guwahati, Assam on February 03, 2018.

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the Advantage Assam- Global Investors Summit 2018, in Guwahati, Assam on February 03, 2018.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the Advantage Assam- Global Investors Summit 2018, in Guwahati, Assam on February 03, 2018. The Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal is also seen.


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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Mr. Tshering Tobgay at the Advantage Assam- Global Investors Summit 2018, in Guwahati, Assam on February 03, 2018. The Governor of Assam, Shri Jagdish Mukhi and the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal are also seen.

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Mr. Tshering Tobgay at the Advantage Assam- Global Investors Summit 2018, in Guwahati, Assam on February 03, 2018. The Governor of Assam, Shri Jagdish Mukhi, the Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, the Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu and the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal are also seen.

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Mr. Tshering Tobgay at the Advantage Assam- Global Investors Summit 2018, in Guwahati, Assam on February 03, 2018. The Governor of Assam, Shri Jagdish Mukhi, the Union Ministers for Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, the Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and other dignitaries are also seen.

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Mr. Tshering Tobgay at the exhibition Advantage Assam, in Guwahati, Assam on February 03, 2018. The Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal is also seen.

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The Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal releasing a book, at the Advantage Assam- Global Investors Summit 2018, in Guwahati, Assam on February 03, 2018.
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The Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal at the Advantage Assam- Global Investors Summit 2018, in Guwahati, Assam on February 03, 2018.

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The Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal witnessing the signing of an MoU on skill development, at the Advantage Assam- Global Investors Summit 2018, in Guwahati, Assam on February 03, 2018.

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The Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal witnessing the signing of an MoU on skill development, at the Advantage Assam- Global Investors Summit 2018, in Guwahati, Assam on February 03, 2018.


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The Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan addressing a press conference after attending the Advantage Assam- Global Investors Summit 2018, in Guwahati, Assam on February 03, 2018. The Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal is also seen.

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The Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey addressing a press conference, in Guwahati, Assam on February 03, 2018.

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The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh at the Advantage Assam- Global Investors Summit 2018, in Guwahati, Assam on February 03, 2018.

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The Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, the Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, the Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh and the Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, at the Advantage Assam- Global Investors Summit 2018, in Guwahati, Assam on February 03, 2018.

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The Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad laying the foundation stone of Electronic Manufacture Cluster, at the Advantage Assam a Global Summit on Business, 2018, at Guwahati on February 04, 2018. The Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, the Minister of State for Tourism (I/C) and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Alphons Kannanthanam and the Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ajay Prakash Sawhney are also seen.

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The Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad delivering his keynote address after laying the foundation stone of Electronic Manufacture Cluster, at the Advantage Assam a Global Summit on Business, 2018, at Guwahati on February 04, 2018.

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The Minister of State for Tourism (I/C) and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Alphons Kannanthanam addressing at the discussion session on Tourism Hospitality and Wellness of North Eastern Region, at the Advantage Assam a Global Summit on Business, 2018, at Guwahati on February 04, 2018.

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The Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, the Minister of State for Tourism (I/C) and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Alphons Kannanthanam and the Minister of State for Railways, Shri Rajen Gohain, at the closing ceremony of the Advantage Assam a Global Summit on Business, 2018, at Guwahati on February 04, 2018.


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The Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, the Minister of State for Tourism (I/C) and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Alphons Kannanthanam and the Minister of State for Railways, Shri Rajen Gohain, at the closing ceremony of the Advantage Assam a Global Summit on Business, 2018, at Guwahati on February 04, 2018.


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