NE neglected for years; development taking place now: Jitendra

DoNER Minister Jitendra Singh today said the long neglected north eastern region of the country was now witnessing development, and has the potential to become an attractive investment hub.
"The improving industrial climate of the North East and increasing opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovative start ups in the North East may enthuse many investors from north India to invest there," he said.
Singh was speaking at the inauguration of the three-day long 'Destination North East' 2017 event being held here.
Aimed at showcasing the region as a potential destination for investment, the event is being organised by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Centre and industry body PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

"Law and order has remarkably improved in North East and now peace and development is taking place," Singh claimed.
The strengths of the north east in tourism, handicrafts, handlooms, organic farming, food processing, horticulture, and IT interventions are areas which can be explored by investors from other parts of India.

"There is lot of to learn from people of North East. This region is only unique example of diversity within diversity," he said.
"The best of scholars are from North East...In JNU the number of students from north east are far more than then the northern states," he said.
Singh said the "exodus" of youths from the eight states is taking place due to lack of quality education and vocational occupation.

International standard research centres will be set up in the region, he said, adding that a Brahmputra study centre will be established for studying ecology and waterways.
All eight states will be connected by broad gauge rail within the next two years, he added.
Principal Scientific Adviser and the Council for Scientific Industrial Research will collaborate with the DoNER ministry to showcase appropriate technology in various developmental sectors relevant to North East, he said.
He also said that tourism can be a major contributor to the economy of the region and create large number of jobs.
"In this effort, Ministry of DoNER through its regional planning body, the North Eastern Council is promoting the North East Tourism Development Council," he said.

This Council will develop and promote regional and international theme-based tourist circuits, he said.