'Act East Policy bringing 'golden era' to northeast: Shanmuganathan

The central government was bringing a "golden era" to the northeastern states with its Act East Policy instead of the earlier Look East Policy, Meghalaya Governor V. Shanumuganthan said on Thursday.

"The central government has launched various schemes and unique programmes which are aimed at enhancing the livelihood of the commoners. These schemes and programmes have also been brought to Meghalaya and other northeastern states with a broad mind for the growth and development of this region," he said after inaugurating a three-day public information campaign organised by the Press Information Bureau in Smit village, 21 km from Shillong.

"If the northeast is not developed, then India cannot develop. Therefore, the government at the centre has given the northeastern states top priority to ensure growth and development," he said.

He said the Narendra Modi government was focusing on healthcare, communication, roads and transport, and infrastructure in the northeast.

"The people of this region must also play their role in ensuring growth and development of the region by visiting government departments and collecting the required information and taking advantage of the various schemes," he said.

Shanmuganathan also appreciated the contributions made by central government agencies like All India Radio and Doordarshan Kendra, Shillong, and healthcare services like North East Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Science (NEIGHRIMS).