Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia on Monday inaugurated the North Eastern Science & Technology (NEST) Cluster at IIT Guwahati and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth ₹635 crore across Assam.
The ceremony was attended by senior Assam government officials, representatives of educational institutions, and members of the scientific and entrepreneurial community.
Speaking at the event, Scindia described Assam as “the heartbeat of a rising Northeast,” adding that the state is emerging as “the innovation and connectivity hub of a Viksit Purvottar.”
The foundation stones laid by the Minister include multiple infrastructure and connectivity projects aimed at catalysing development across Assam and strengthening its role as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia.
Key projects announced include: construction of 65 new secondary school buildings – ₹455 crore; upgradation of Chayagaon-Ukium Road – ₹102.69 crore; RCC bridge at Silonijan-Dhansiri Par Ghat – ₹20.59 crore; industrial estate at Ramphalbil (Kokrajhar) – ₹14.40 crore; and industrial estate at Lakhibazar (Baksa) – ₹18.40 crore.
“Every brick laid and every classroom built is a promise kept in the service of aspiration,” Scindia said, underscoring the human impact of the new initiatives.
The North Eastern Science & Technology (NEST) Cluster, established at IIT Guwahati with an investment of ₹22.98 crore, will serve as a hub for innovation and research in the region.
Focusing on four key verticals – Grassroots Innovation, Semiconductors & Artificial Intelligence, Bamboo-Based Technologies, and Biodegradable Plastics — the cluster aims to translate local knowledge into global solutions.
The initiative will complement DoNER’s youth-focused programmes such as NE-SPARKS and Ashtalakshmi Darshan, through which thousands of students from across India will participate in exchange and exposure visits.
During his visit to IIT Guwahati, Scindia interacted with researchers and students showcasing innovations in 6G communication, biodegradable polymers, bamboo tissue culture, and low-field MRI systems. Praising their work, he said, “If you get this going, it will be the future.”
As part of the NEST mission’s inclusive approach, 30 rural women from Kamrup district were felicitated for completing training in biodegradable toy manufacturing using Industry 4.0 technologies. They will receive continued support to establish micro-enterprises in the sector.
Scindia also unveiled the NEST Cluster logo, designed by rural women trained in sustainable toy-making – symbolizing innovation rooted in inclusivity and powered by Nari Shakti.
Highlighting the region’s transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Scindia said the Northeast has evolved “from being landlocked to land-linked and future-ready.”
He noted that over ₹6.2 lakh crore has been invested in the region under the 10% Gross Budgetary Support policy, funding major connectivity projects such as the Bogibeel Bridge, Bhupen Hazarika Setu, Sela Tunnel, and the Jogighopa Multi-Modal Logistics Park.
He also cited the success of the Act East Policy, which has reduced travel time between Kolkata and Agartala from 31 hours to just 10 through enhanced connectivity with Bangladesh.
Referring to PM Modi’s recent ₹6,500-crore projects in Darrang and ₹18,530-crore investments across Assam, Scindia said the Centre’s focus on holistic development spans health, education, energy, and industry.
Concluding his address, Scindia said the Northeast, once considered peripheral, has become “India’s eastern gateway to prosperity.”
Quoting Assam’s ethos of “Xobhe xokolore loi thoka xomaj” (a society that carries everyone along), he said each project launched today strengthens that spirit of unity.
Invoking the blessings of Maa Kamakhya, the Minister expressed confidence that Assam will continue to lead the region’s progress toward Viksit Bharat @ 2047, driven by education, innovation, and enterprise.