Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia on Thursday inaugurated the North Eastern Science & Technology (NEST) Cluster at IIT Guwahati and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth Rs 6.35 billion across Assam. The event was attended by senior officials of the Government of Assam, representatives of academic and research institutions, and members of the scientific and entrepreneurial community. Speaking at the ceremony, 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 the state, long the gateway to India’s eastern renaissance, is now emerging as the innovation and connectivity hub of a ‘Viksit Purvottar’. Rs 6.35 Billion Development Boost The minister laid the foundation stone for Rs 6.35 billion worth of infrastructure and connectivity projects, designed to catalyse growth and opportunity across Assam, reinforcing its role as the gateway to Southeast Asia. Key projects include: Infrastructure development of 65 new secondary schools – Rs 4.55 billion Upgradation of Chayagaon–Ukium Road – Rs 1.03 billion RCC Bridge at Silonijan–Dhansiri Par Ghat – Rs 206 million Development of Industrial Estate at Ramphalbil (Kokrajhar) – Rs 144 million Development of Industrial Estate at Lakhibazar (Baksa) – Rs 184 million Highlighting the human dimension, Scindia remarked, “Every brick laid and every classroom built is a promise kept in the service of aspiration.” NEST Cluster To Power Innovation Established with an investment of Rs 229.8 million, the NEST Cluster will act as the nerve centre of the Northeast’s innovation ecosystem, transforming local knowledge into global solutions. It will focus on four verticals: Grassroots innovation Semiconductors and artificial intelligence Bamboo-based technologies Biodegradable plastics The cluster will complement DoNER’s youth-centric initiatives such as NE-SPARKS and Ashtalakshmi Darshan, under which 3,200 students from across India will visit the Northeast, while 800 Northeastern students will gain exposure to scientific research at institutions such as ISRO. During his visit to IIT Guwahati, Scindia interacted with researchers displaying innovations in 6G communications, biodegradable polymers, bamboo tissue culture, and low-field MRI systems for affordable healthcare. Praising their work, he said, “If you get this going, it will be the future.” Empowering Women Through Innovation As part of the NEST Mission’s commitment to inclusive innovation, 30 rural women from Kamrup District were honoured for completing training in biodegradable toy manufacturing using Industry 4.0 technologies. They will receive support to set up their own micro-enterprises. Scindia also unveiled the NEST Cluster logo, designed by rural women trained in sustainable manufacturing — a symbol of innovation rooted in inclusivity and Nari Shakti. Northeast’s Transformation The minister highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Northeast has undergone a remarkable transformation — from landlocked to land-linked and future-ready. Over Rs 6.2 trillion has been invested in the region under the 10 per cent Gross Budgetary Support policy, driving growth across sectors. He cited landmark infrastructure projects such as the Bogibeel Bridge, Bhupen Hazarika Setu, Sela Tunnel, and Jogighopa Multi-Modal Logistics Park as milestones redefining connectivity in Assam. Scindia added that the Act East Policy has opened new trade corridors, reducing travel time between Kolkata and Agartala from 31 hours to just 10, thanks to new rail and road links through Bangladesh. He also noted recent development initiatives worth Rs 65 billion in Darrang and Rs 185.3 billion across Assam, reaffirming the Centre’s focus on health, education, energy, and industry. Concluding his address, Scindia lauded Assam’s inclusive ethos of “Xobhe xokolore loi thoka xomaj”—a society that carries everyone together—and invoked the blessings of Maa Kamakhya, expressing confidence that Assam will continue to lead the Northeast’s march towards Viksit Bharat @2047, powered by education, innovation, and enterprise.