Modi govt invested Rs 44,859 cr in 3,600+ Northeast projects: Sarbananda Sonowal
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, Shipping & Waterways, Shri
Sarbananda Sonowal
, strongly countered the
Congress
party's criticism of the Modi government's performance over the past 11 years, asserting that the grand old party has 'forfeited the right to criticize' in the court of the people.
Emphasizing the transformative progress made under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the Minister said the Congress, which neglected the aspirations of the people for more than six decades, now stands exposed before a new India that rewards performance and punishes apathy.
'Congress has lost all moral rights. They had destroyed the prospect of
Northeast
when they misgoverned the country for more than six decades. The dark days of Congress governments were filled with violence, insurgency, terrorism that dragged our beautiful region in to a vortex of deprivation, devastation, discord and division. Peace was a distant dream.
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This was reversed only with the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji who took decisive steps to transform the region, respect the aspirations of the people, find solutions, usher a new era of peace and brotherhood, and ultimately, transform it as the Growth Engine of new India,' said Sarbananda .
Sonowal highlighted the major achievements of the Narendra Modi led government over 11 years and explained how it delivered unprecedented welfare benefits to every section of the society — uplifting the poor 'Garib Kalyan', empowering the women 'Nari Shakti', transforming agriculture 'Krishak Kalyan' and empowering the youth through skill based training and employment opportunities through innovative policy action via Start Up India or Digital India campaigns.
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Sonowal also underlined how more than 2.19 lakh farmers benefitted from the Mission Organic Value Chain Development, 434 Farmer Producer Organizations formed, covering 1.73 lakh hectares.
Sonowal said, 'Under the dynamic leadership of PM Narendra Modi ji, the Govt is working towards building Viksit Bharat during this Amrit Kala by focusing on 'Seva, Sushasan and Garib Kalyan' (Service, Good Governance and Welfare of the Poor). Over 81 crore people now receive free rations under the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, more than 15 crore rural households have access to tap water under 'Har Ghar Jal', and Rs 3.7 lakh crore has been disbursed to farmers through PM-KISAN. Women's empowerment has seen historic strides—from 33% reservation in legislatures under the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam to direct benefit transfers for more than 3.9 crore pregnant women, and the historic admission of women into the National Defence Academy (NDA).'
Since 2014, the Modi government has brought the Northeast into the mainstream of India's development journey with unprecedented investment and focused attention. The Northeast has emerged transformative with 'Insurgency has declined by 64% since 2014, AFSPA has been withdrawn from 75% of the region', added Sonowal. The government has approved over 3,600 projects worth Rs 44,859 crore, built 10 greenfield airports, and expanded connectivity and organic farming through focused missions. 'Under PM Modi's leadership, the Northeast is being repositioned not as a peripheral zone, but as India's vital Gateway to the East, with peace, progress, and prosperity at its core', Sonowal further said.
Sonowal highlighted the immense possibilities of tourism sector in the region. Tourism-led growth has emerged as a key pillar of
Meghalaya
's development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.
Sonowal said, 'Shillong is a beautiful city, Meghalaya is a gift of Mother Earth. We must celebrate her with utmost sincerity and ensure sustainable development through harnessing the immense possibilities in the tourism sector. The boom in tourism in the state is a positive sign as how Meghalaya has become a destination of choice for most domestic as well as international tourists visiting India. Meghalaya is a shining example of success of schemes like Swadesh Darshan. The Modi Govt sanctioned Rs 244 Cr to boost Sustainable Tourism which has created potential in iconic destinations like Umium Lake, Sohpetbneng, Krang Suri Falls, Siju Caves, and Nokrek Reserve are being transformed into world-class tourist attractions. From waterfall trails to the Meghalayan Age Cave Experience, the focus on sustainable and immersive tourism has revitalised local economies and created livelihood opportunities. Spiritual and heritage sites like Nartiang and Mawphlang villages are also being promoted under niche tourism categories, positioning Meghalaya as a vibrant destination within India's Northeast tourism circuit.'
Landmark initiatives such as the establishment of South Asia's largest cancer care network in Assam reflect the government's commitment to bridging decades of neglect. The recently held Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025 further reinforced this vision, securing Rs 4.3 lakh crore in investment commitments that promise to unlock the region's economic potential and generate widespread employment.
Northeast is undergoing rapid development in connectivity, agriculture, and industry. Operational airports have increased from 9 in 2014 to 19 in 2024. The region is emerging as a hub for organic farming and edible oil production, with 3.3 lakh gatherers and over 19,000 SHGs supported under Van Dhan Vikas Yojana. The bamboo industry has also grown through reclassification and targeted missions. Healthcare and heritage conservation are also priorities. Cultural initiatives include a tribal museum in Manipur and the development of Sivasagar as a heritage site.
Sonowal said, 'Meghalaya, backed by a 105% increase in central grants-in-aid, has seen a substantial scale-up in infrastructure & social welfare. Landmark initiatives include the Rs 22,864 crore Greenfield High-Speed Corridor between Mawlyngkhung & Panchgram, set to drastically improve regional connectivity & logistics. Over 540 km of National Highways have been constructed, and urban mobility projects in New Shillong and Tura are being implemented under PM-DevINE."
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