Union Home Minister Amit Shah has once again underscored the Modi government’s commitment to the North-East, presenting a staggering comparison of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visits to the region versus all past Prime Ministers combined. Addressing the North-East Students' and Youth Parliament organised by ABVP in Delhi, Shah emphasised the government’s developmental push, particularly in infrastructure and employment generation.
Modi’s North-East Focus
In his speech, Shah highlighted a crucial statistic—since India’s independence, the total number of visits by all Prime Ministers to the North-East, excluding Assam, stands at 21. In stark contrast, Modi alone has visited the region 78 times in the last decade. This, according to Shah, reflects the PM’s personal commitment to integrating the North-East into India’s growth trajectory."There can be no development in a state where there is no peace, and Narendra Modi's government has worked to bring peace in the North-East," Shah stated. He further elaborated that under Modi’s leadership, a dedicated effort has been made to ensure that at least one Union Minister stays overnight in a North-Eastern state every month—something unprecedented in Indian political history.
Massive Investments & Job Creation
Beyond visits, Shah pointed out tangible economic initiatives, citing a significant investment push in Assam and beyond. He announced that a ₹2,700 crore semiconductor plant is being set up in Assam, which will contribute to local industry and employment. Additionally, he revealed a broader ₹2.5 lakh crore investment plan aimed at ensuring job creation within the North-East itself."The work of laying the foundation has been done in these 10 years. Within 10 years, not a single child or youth from the North-East will have to go to other parts of the country for work. You will get employment in the North-East itself," Shah asserted, projecting a future where migration for jobs will no longer be necessary.
From Neglect to Priority
For decades, the North-East has been seen as a politically and geographically isolated region, with governments failing to match rhetoric with action. Shah’s remarks suggest that the Modi administration is actively reversing this perception, making the region a focal point of its development agenda. The increased political presence, coupled with financial investments, paints a picture of a North-East that is being woven into India’s economic fabric more than ever before.
