India’s North East Region, which has been persistently neglected by Delhi in the past has received the much needed boost in the development of infrastructure, communication and in importance like never before under PM Modi’s ‘Act East Policy’ framework. Nevertheless, North East has been a part of the ‘Congress System’ for most of the post-independence period, but marred by false promises, unfinished public work and embezzlement of huge amount of public funds by its regional satraps under a decaying leadership, has largely contributed to the disillusionment of the NE people towards Delhi.
But Modi government’s AEP has given top priority to the region and stressed the improvement of rail, road and water transport network to make it the ‘Gateway to South East Asia’ in the coming years. In the past two years, the NDA Government has spent more than rupees 10,000 crore in connecting the NE states to the rest of India which includes the introduction of ‘Rajdhani Express’ trains from New Delhi to Itanagar, the capital city of Arunachal Pradesh.
Besides, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation for development of highways in the region is actively working to overhaul the road transport system so that it brings investment in industry and in infrastructure for generating employment to its youth. The PM has already announced heavy investment in power sector to provide 24X7X365 days of electricity along with a comprehensive telecommunication network which will enhance internet connectivity through an advanced I-way to the region. Indeed, the NE people has positively responded to the Central Government’s new schemes like Prime Minister’s Mudra Bank, Dhan Jan Yojana etc which reflects the ‘increasing association and attitudinal change’ in the region towards Delhi particularly after the installation of the NDA government at the centre.
Modi’s AEP well augurs with his trademark slogan of ‘Sabke saath, sabka vikash’ both in terms of bringing together India’s grand mosaic of diverse people and regions. Finally, the recent opening of North East Democratic Alliance by the BJP to assuage the regional parties about its work ethic in terms of good governance and development to defeat negative propaganda of Congress to the steps taken under AEP would certainly forge the NE towards political rejuvenation and speedy economic development.