Modi mantra: Connecting Northeast to ASEAN via Act East policy

Pledging to develop the Northeast region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the NDA government at the Centre is keen on reducing isolation of the northeastern states through its ambitious Act East Policy for all-round connectivity of the region. Addressing a gathering at the 65th plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong on May 27, his second visit to the region in four days, Mr Modi said: “The government has been focusing on development of the region through its proactive Act East Policy. As part of this policy, we are focusing on reducing isolation of the region by improving all-round connectivity through road, railway, telecom, power and waterways sectors.” Showcasing the Northeast region is India’s gateway to Southeast Asia, Mr Modi stressed that the Northeast region is vital for the success of India’s ‘Act East Policy’. “We are opening up both road and railway routes to our neighbouring countries. This should give a boost to economic development of the region,” he said. “The northeast region is also very important to us for strategic reasons. It is my conviction that we have to bring this region at par with other developed regions of the country,” Mr Modi added. Speaking about his government’s belief in cooperative and competitive federalism, Mr Modi said that states that were strong and want to grow further need to be given adequate authority and resources.  “Based on the report of the Committee of Chief Ministers, we have decided to continue to provide assistance in the ratio of 90:10 for core Central schemes and 80:20 for non-core schemes to the northeastern states,” Mr Modi elaborated.