Special emphasis given for development of NE: Prez

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said India’s growth after Independence was initially driven by a few cities and regions, but the government is now prioritising the rapid development of eastern and northeastern India to ensure inclusive progress.
Addressing a joint sitting of Parliament, Murmu said large parts of the country and a significant section of the population earlier lacked adequate opportunities. “Today, my government is transforming the potential of underdeveloped regions and marginalised populations into the driving force for Viksit Bharat,” she said.
Highlighting the Purvodaya vision for eastern India, the President said new growth opportunities are emerging in the maritime regions of West Bengal and Odisha. She also said the northeastern region is increasingly integrating with the national development mainstream.
Referring to the first-ever arrival of the Rajdhani Express in Mizoram’s capital Aizawl, Murmu said the enthusiasm shown by local residents brought joy to the entire nation and reflected improving connectivity in the region.
She said Assam, home to cultural icons like Srimanta Sankardev, is emerging as a key industrial centre, adding that a semiconductor chip manufactured in the state would soon become vital for electronic products globally. Murmu said unprecedented attention is being given to improving connectivity in the Northeast.
Over the past 11 years, more than 7,200 km of national highways have been built in the region, easing access to remote, hilly, tribal and border areas. Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, around 50,000 km of rural roads have been constructed, improving links to markets, schools and healthcare facilities.
Murmu said over Rs 80,000 crore has been invested in railways in the northeastern region during the same period. The capitals of Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura and Mizoram are now connected by broad-gauge railway lines, opening new avenues for economic growth, employment and tourism.
Murmu also highlighted major healthcare initiatives, including the State Cancer Institute in Itanagar, medical colleges in Assam’s Sivasagar among others.