Guwahati Union Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia on Monday inaugurated the North Eastern Science & Technology (NEST) Cluster at IIT Guwahati and laid the foundation stone for ₹635 crore worth of development projects across Assam.
Scindia called Assam “the heartbeat of a rising Northeast,” saying the state is fast emerging as an innovation and connectivity hub of a Viksit Purvottar.
The ₹635 crore package includes infrastructure for 65 new secondary schools, the Chayagaon–Ukium road upgrade, an RCC bridge at Silonijan–Dhansiri, and new industrial estates in Kokrajhar and Baksa. “Every brick laid and every classroom built is a promise kept in the service of aspiration,” Scindia said.
The NEST Cluster, built with an investment of ₹22.98 crore, will serve as the region’s innovation nerve centre, focusing on grassroots innovation, semiconductors and AI, bamboo-based technologies, and biodegradable plastics. Scindia interacted with IIT students, showcasing work in 6G communication, biodegradable polymers, and low-field MRI systems.
He also lauded 30 rural women from Kamrup trained in sustainable toy manufacturing, unveiling the NEST logo designed by them — symbolizing inclusive innovation and Nari Shakti.
Highlighting the Modi government’s investment of over ₹6.2 lakh crore in the Northeast, Scindia said the region has transformed from “landlocked to land-linked,” with projects like the Bogibeel Bridge, Sela Tunnel, and new trade routes to Bangladesh redefining connectivity.
Invoking Maa Kamakhya’s blessings, Scindia said Assam would continue leading the Northeast’s march toward Viksit Bharat 2047 through “education, innovation, and enterprise.”
