Delhi, 11 March (H.S.): Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the North-East Student and Youth Parliament, organized by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), asserting that within the next decade, no youth from the North-East will need to seek employment outside their region, as ample opportunities will be available locally. In his speech, Shah underscored the critical role of youth in nation-building and encouraged North-East students to play an active part in developing a strong and prosperous India by the year 2047. He stressed the significance of empowering the youth, enhancing educational initiatives, and building a sense of community among the North-East youth.
Shah noted the correlation between development and peace, highlighting achievements of the Modi government in establishing tranquility in the North-East. One of the notable accomplishments he mentioned was reducing the gap between the North-East and the rest of India. He promised that by 2027, all North-Eastern capitals will be connected via train, air, and road networks. He recognized the historical struggles of the region with issues like terrorism and separatism that have hindered progress over the past 40 years. Shah affirmed that the BJP has consistently prioritized the North-East, starting with a dedicated ministry initiated during Atal Bihari Vajpayee's administration and continuing under Narendra Modi's leadership.
He pointed out that aside from the recent racial violence in Manipur, the North-East has enjoyed a decade of peace, with a significant reduction in violence and fatalities: a 70% decrease in violent incidents and security force deaths, alongside an 89% drop in civilian casualties. Agreements with various armed groups have led to more than 10,500 insurgents returning to mainstream society, with the government signing 12 important accords in this period.
Shah conveyed that Modi has committed substantial financial resources for the development of the North-East, announcing a 150% increase in the 2024-25 budget compared to 2014-15. He highlighted specific investments, including ₹4,800 crores for the Vibrant Village program in Arunachal Pradesh, the construction of a significant rail-cum-road bridge on the Brahmaputra, a new greenfield airport in Arunachal, and organic farming initiatives in Sikkim. Additionally, a ₹2,700 crore semiconductor plant is being established in Assam, with broader investments of ₹2.5 lakh crore anticipated, laying the foundation for local employment.
Lastly, Shah celebrated the North-East as a priceless jewel of Indian culture, rich in diverse heritage, languages, and festivals, yet acknowledged the ongoing need for development connectivity within India to enhance the region's prospects.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
