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Indian Express
a day ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Jyotiraditya Scindia at Idea Exchange: ‘You criticise the EC, call our economy dead, mock the judiciary… good luck to you'
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on the Opposition, Starlink's entry into India, countering cybercrime, development projects in the Northeast and being part of the UPA and NDA governments. This session was moderated by Divya A, Senior Assistant Editor, The Indian Express. The PM made it very clear from the early years of his tenure that the northeastern region presents tremendous potential, not only for the growth of India but all of Southeast Asia. Importance has been laid on this sector through continued initiatives, including the 10 per cent gross budgetary support that the government of India has given the sector, growing from Rs 24,000 crore per year in 2014 to the highest level, which is Rs 1,02,000 crore, in 2023-24. If you look at national highways, the network has grown from 10,000 km to 16,200 km. You have close to five states being connected by the railway network, almost 19 projects worth Rs 80,000 crore are being executed on the ground. The Bogibeel bridge is India's longest road-cum-rail bridge. Today we have 17 airports in the Northeast. Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim did not have a single airport. Now Arunachal Pradesh has four airports. The transformation has been tremendous. All the Northeast states are growing at a decadal average Compounded Annual Growth Rate of between 11 and 13 per cent. In November 2024 we held the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, where a cultural paradigm exposition was held at Bharat Mandapam for all eight states. In December, we had a banking summit in Tripura. The Northeast Investment Summit was held in May. We have also created a Northeast regional environment. We've set up eight high-level task forces, taking eight separate topics. It may be agriculture, economic corridors, investment in commerce. One chief minister is heading every high-level task force. The members of each one of those task forces are three other chief ministers. So now there is a regional perspective as opposed to only my state perspective. We are also looking at specific projects. The best pineapple in the world is the Queen pineapple, which comes from Tripura. The best chillies are the Naga chillies. Our ahimsa silk (eri silk), Muga silk have tremendous capabilities. I'm working on particular projects for each one of these sectors. We're also looking at creating a tourism circuit for each of these states. Divya A: Starlink is coming to India. Will it largely be an urban phenomenon, considering its high costs? My job as telecom minister is to be able to provide every consumer with as many choices as possible. We have done that in every vertical, including ISPs (Internet Service Provider), telcos, broadband providers and satellite providers. Three licences have been given out as of date. You've got OneWeb, Jio and now you have Starlink. It's for every customer to choose based on his/her price point and the service they want. With regard to SATCOM, I believe it's going to be a complementary service to mobile telephony. There are many parts of the world where mobile telephony cannot reach due to inhospitable terrain, inability to install towers, inability to put Optical Fiber Cable for backhaul and in such areas SATCOM is the only viable alternative. Also, in the event of a natural calamity, when institutionalised systems break down, SATCOM is the only media that is able to provide connectivity. On development in the northeast | We have created a Northeast regional environment. We've set up eight high-level task forces, taking eight separate topics… One chief minister is heading every high-level task force Divya A: How is your ministry addressing the growing threat of cybercrimes? India is now moving from being a deployer of global technology to becoming an innovator of global technology, which is a huge paradigm shift. It's also our fiduciary responsibility to protect the interests of our consumers. Therefore, the Ministry of Telecom, through the DoT (Department of Telecom), has played a seminal role over the last year and a half. I will give a few examples. We've put together an institutional framework so that all stakeholders combine on a single platform to safeguard the interests of consumers. The Digital Intelligence Platform has all law enforcement agencies, DoT, Ministry of Home Affairs, close to about 32 state police forces and 570 financial sector banks. There is sharing of information. That is step one. Step two — I do not believe that this war can be fought by the government alone until you involve every single citizen. Therefore, the DoT has launched the Sanchar Saathi Portal. We've had close to 15.5 crore downloads of that portal. We also introduced the Sanchar Saathi app, which has seen close to 50 lakh downloads. Through the Sanchar Saathi Portal, close to 1.36 crore mobile phones have been disconnected through feedback from citizens, through the facility called 'Not My Number' and 'Not Required'. Through Sanchar Saathi, close to 36 lakh mobile numbers have been blocked because they've either been stolen or lost. About 21 lakh mobiles have been traced and five lakh mobiles have been recovered and returned to their rightful owners. We have also used AI and set up a programme called Astra, where we've seen people take (multiple) phone numbers on their IDs, which is unlawful. We've disconnected close to 82 lakh phones through that system. We've also set up the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator, where, through the Digitise India Platform, we broadcast those who will be in the medium-risk category, high-risk category and very high-risk category in terms of committing fraud. Through that we have blocked close to three lakh bank accounts. We have frozen about 1.5 lakh debit cards and credit cards of individuals who have the capability to commit fraud. Divya A: You also have plans to redevelop some post offices for leasing. Is there a plan to monetise real estate as well? India Post has the largest distribution capability of any value chain, not only in India but across the world. Today, unfortunately, India Post is a cost centre for the government of India. My resolve is to eventually convert this into a profit centre. For that, there has to be a full transformation of how we generate business, how we service business and how we transform ourselves. We are looking at a full BPR (Business Process Reengineering) exercise. For the first time, we've constructed the India Post organisation into six verticals. We've created six SBUs (Strategic Business Units). So there is mail, there's international mail, there are parcels, financial services, PLI (Postal Life Insurance) and citizen centric services. We've created four horizontals that will service these six verticals — Finance, HR, IT and one additional. We've also hired a CTO (Chief Technology Officer) and we've got a deputy CTO working with each vertical head. We are looking at how we can examine the cost structure of our organisation per transaction. We are putting together a large CapEx programme to be able to modernise India Post. In the coming months, we'll introduce two new products within each vertical, one for international, one for mail, one for parcels, one for international mail, two across each spectrum. My wealth today is the capability of my gramin dak sevak and looking at new business opportunities and how we can empower them to deliver better, using technology. There is a programme for modernisation of post offices and making sure that your assets earn you more. Not to dispose of them but how you can increase the yield from your assets, through rentals to other departments and so on. It's also important to look at what the world is doing. We sent a group of our six vertical heads ten months ago to La Poste in France, Royal Mail in the UK, USPS in the US, Japan Post and DHL to study their models and see what can apply to us. On pricing of Starlink in India | Myjob is to provide every option to my consumer and the market will decide what price is acceptable to the consumer. Companies and organisations will have to pivot according to that demand We had a brainstorming session with all 23 CPMGs (Chief Postmaster Generals) across India in Delhi, where the charter was for each CPMG to present his or her business plan for their circle for the year 25-26. This sort of cross-fertilisation pool has never happened before. We're going to hold it on a monthly basis, which will be chaired by the MoS, and on a quarterly basis, which will be chaired by me. Liz Mathew: You served in the Congress-led UPA government under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in PM Modi's last government and are now part of the current NDA government. How has your experience been different across these three political spaces? There's no difference between the second phase and third phase. This has always been an NDA government, all the way from (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee's time, when the NDA came into being. It has never been a BJP government alone. It's a completely different model (compared to the Manmohan Singh government). PM Modi's model is based on results. It's a model which very firmly establishes key performance indicators in key result areas. It's a model where every single citizen has to become part of the growth story of India. Liz Mathew: You were one of the leading faces in the UPA government but now you're just confined to your ministry. Is that a conscious decision or have you been asked to do that? I, or my father, or my grandmother before him, have never been defined by ambition. The Scindia family has been defined by our dedication, hard work and commitment. I firmly believe that it's important that whatever role is assigned to you, you perform that role with utmost dedication and capability. I have done that throughout my career, whether I was earlier in the Congress or today in the BJP. Divya A: We have people inside and outside the country who are calling India a dead economy. What do you have to say to them? Let me not speak to those who are outside the country because everyone has their opinion. But I think if you are an Indian and if you're a patriot and you're defined by a single word that you use for every institution within your country and even for your own country — you criticise the Election Commission and call it dead, you leave no stone unturned to bring down the capability of our armed forces, you mock the judiciary, you mock the Election Commission, you call our economy dead — good luck to you. The country has moved on. Soumyarendra Barik: The MoS (Telecom) recently said that he doesn't foresee more than 20 lakh units of Starlink being sold across India because the prices could be as high as Rs 3,000 a month. Is it still correct to say that it won't be restricted to urban areas? The SATCOM model is generally prevalent in areas where you do not have a thick enough pipe. That pipe could be your mobile network, OFC broadband, whatever option you have. As far as the number of connections and the pricing (are concerned), I don't want to comment on it because that's not my job. My job is to provide every option to my consumer and the market will decide what price is acceptable to the consumer. Companies and organisations will have to pivot according to that demand. You have two options as a player. You can be a high volume, low margin player or you can be a low volume, low market share player. That's your choice. On addressing concerns of locals regarding the Upper Siang multipurpose project | That is the remit of the concerned state government and the Jal Shakti and Power Ministry. If the state government flags it as an issue with me, I'm more than happy to work with them Soumyarendra Barik: Telecom reforms were last announced in 2021, including infusing equity into Vodafone Idea. We haven't seen a real improvement in the company's financial health. I am not the CEO of Jio, Airtel or Vodafone. I'm the telecommunications minister. Every company has to look after its own finances. My job is to ensure a competitive playing field. I was at the World Mobile Congress earlier this year and India is the only market that is still growing. India is the only market where telcos are making profits. It is the only market where you still have telecom companies investing four-and-a-half-lakh-crore to execute a 5G model that covers 99.8 per cent of all districts and 82 per cent of the population. Ritika Chopra: The Upper Siang multi-purpose project (in Arunachal Pradesh) has been held up because of resistance from affected villagers. How is your ministry involved in addressing the concerns of the local communities? That is not my remit. That is the remit of the concerned state government and the Jal Shakti and Power Ministry. If the concerned state government flags it as an issue with me, I'm more than happy to work with them. Ojasvi Gupta: With regard to Starlink, how do we ensure 100 per cent rural penetration because there's only BSNL at this point? Also, kudos to BSNL for securing profit for the first time in the last 18-odd years. After 18 years, BSNL has posted not a single quarter, but quarter on quarter, not operating profit, but net profit. In 2024-2025, BSNL also posted an amazing jump in its operating profit from 2,395 crore or to almost 5,100 crore. Your point is extremely important, which is to ensure saturation of 4G across our country. That is not the remit of BSNL alone. All four telcos are involved with that. We have close to about 12 schemes under the Digital Bharat Nidhi that is looking at 100 per cent penetration in 38,000 villages with close to 24,000 towers. Out of that, about 12,000 towers have been erected, not by BSNL alone but by all four telcos. We are looking at completing 100 per cent saturation, hopefully in this fiscal, by March 26 or certainly 2026-27. I have identified six parameters that are impeding this 100 per cent saturation and they extend from getting revenue, land clearance to road accessibility. I've identified 2,415 issues across those six verticals, across 36 states and union territories. I have written to each chief minister to be my partner in being able to provide this access so that my telcos can build those towers. We've resolved close to 1,691 issues. We are only left with close to 700 issues that are still pending with state governments. There are two or three state governments that are major with regard to those issues — Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Odisha. I'm working with each chief minister. They are as eager to get this done. There are certain sites where you cannot set up those towers because the accessibility is not there. We are going to look at two options for that — VSATs and SATCOM.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
NE is India's growth engine: Union min
Silchar: Union minister of state for DoNER and education, Sukanta Majumdar, on Wednesday said the Narendra Modi-led govt has given "special emphasis" to the northeast, which is now poised to become India's "growth engine". Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Speaking to the media at the Cachar district BJP office in Silchar, Majumdar said the central govt is consistent on focussing on the region since the BJP came to power 11 years ago. "Prime Minister Modi has visited the northeast over 60 times — more than all previous PMs combined. This reflects the centre's dedication to the region's development," he said. Majumdar highlighted recent initiatives, including the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav and The Rising North East Investors Summit 2025, aimed at attracting industrial investment. "We are laying the foundation for a developed Northeast, which will soon drive India's growth story," he added. Criticising past Congress govts, Majumdar said the region remained underdeveloped due to decades of neglect. "Congress ignored the northeast, but under BJP, we are witnessing real change," he said. Assam minister Kaushik Rai, who was also present in the meet, spoke on infrastructure development in the Barak Valley.
India Gazette
23-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025
New Delhi [India], May 23 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the Rising North East Investors Summit 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, expressing strong confidence in the Northeast region's potential and reaffirming the government's commitment to its continued growth and prosperity. According to the official release, Prime Minister Modi, while welcoming dignitaries, industry leaders, and investors, commended the collaborative efforts of various ministries and state governments in creating a business-friendly environment. He highlighted the Northeast's vital role in achieving the goal of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India), saying, 'For us, EAST is not just a direction but a vision--Empower, Act, Strengthen, and Transform.' Emphasising the critical role of Eastern India in achieving a Viksit Bharat, the Prime Minister underscored the Northeast as its most vital component. 'For us, EAST is not just a direction but a vision--Empower, Act, Strengthen, and Transform--which defines the policy framework for the region', he stated, highlighting that this approach has placed Eastern India, particularly the Northeast, at the center stage of India's growth trajectory. He recalled the recent Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav held at Bharat Mandapam and emphasised that today's event marks a celebration of investment in the Northeast. The Prime Minister highlighted the significant presence of industry leaders at the summit, underscoring the enthusiasm surrounding opportunities in the region. He extended his congratulations to all ministries and state governments, acknowledging their efforts in creating a thriving investment-friendly environment. Conveying his best wishes, the Prime Minister lauded the Northeast Rising Summit, reaffirming his commitment to the region's continued growth and prosperity. Underscoring India's status as the world's most diverse nation, PM Modi said, 'The Northeast is the most diverse region of our diverse nation'. He emphasised the vast potential spanning trade, tradition, textiles, and tourism, stating that the region's diversity is its greatest strength. He remarked that the Northeast is synonymous with a thriving bio-economy and bamboo industry, tea production and petroleum, sports and skills, and an emerging hub for eco-tourism. He further noted that the region is paving the way for organic products and stands as a powerhouse of energy. He affirmed that the Northeast embodies the essence of Ashtalakshmi, bringing prosperity and opportunity. With this strength, he stated, every Northeastern state is declaring its readiness for investment and leadership. Prime Minister highlighted the transformative changes witnessed in the Northeast over the past 11 years, emphasising that the progress is not merely reflected in statistics but is tangible on the ground. He stated that the government's engagement with the region goes beyond policy measures, fostering a heartfelt connection with its people. The Prime Minister underscored the over 700 visits made by Union Ministers to the Northeast, demonstrating their commitment to understanding the land, witnessing the aspirations in people's eyes, and translating that trust into development policies. He stressed that infrastructure projects are not just about bricks and cement but serve as a means of emotional connectivity. He reaffirmed the shift from Look East to Act East, stating that this proactive approach is yielding visible results. 'While the Northeast was once regarded merely as a frontier region, it is now emerging as a front-runner in India's growth story', he added. Underlining that robust infrastructure plays a key role in making the tourism sector attractive and instilling confidence among investors, PM Modi highlighted that well-developed roads, power infrastructure, and logistics networks form the backbone of any industry, facilitating seamless trade and economic growth. He remarked that infrastructure is the foundation of development and that the government has initiated an Infrastructure Revolution in the Northeast. He acknowledged the region's past challenges but asserted that it is now emerging as a Land of Opportunities. He stated that thousands of crores have been invested in enhancing connectivity, citing projects such as the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh and the Bhupen Hazarika Bridge in Assam. PM Modi also highlighted key advancements in the past decade, including the construction of 11,000 kilometres of highways, extensive new railway lines, a doubling of airport numbers, the development of waterways on the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers, and the installation of hundreds of mobile towers. He further noted the establishment of a 1,600-kilometre-long Northeast Gas Grid, ensuring a reliable energy supply for industries. PM Modi underscored that highways, railways, waterways, and digital connectivity are all strengthening the Northeast's infrastructure, creating a fertile ground for industries to seize the First Mover Advantage. He affirmed that over the next decade, the region's trade potential will multiply significantly. He further pointed out that India's trade volume with ASEAN currently stands at approximately $125 billion and is expected to exceed $200 billion in the coming years, positioning the Northeast as a strategic trade bridge and gateway to ASEAN markets. He reiterated the government's commitment to accelerating infrastructure projects to enhance regional connectivity. Stressing the importance of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, which will provide direct access from Myanmar to Thailand, strengthening India's connectivity with Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos, Modi highlighted the government's efforts to expedite the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project, which will link the Kolkata Port to Myanmar's Sittwe Port, providing a crucial trade route through Mizoram. He stated that this project will significantly reduce the travel distance between West Bengal and Mizoram, enhancing trade and industrial growth. Highlighting the ongoing development of Guwahati, Imphal, and Agartala as Multi-Modal Logistics Hubs, the Prime Minister noted that the establishment of Land Custom Stations in Meghalaya and Mizoram is further expanding international trade opportunities. He emphasised that these advancements are positioning the Northeast as a rising force in trade with Indo-Pacific nations, unlocking new avenues for investment and economic growth. Underscoring India's vision of becoming a Global Health and Wellness Solution Provider, the Prime Minister stated that the Heal in India initiative is being developed as a worldwide movement. He highlighted the Northeast's rich biodiversity, natural environment, and organic lifestyle, describing it as a perfect destination for wellness. The Prime Minister urged investors to explore the Northeast as a critical component of India's Heal in India mission, reaffirming that the region's climate and ecological diversity offer immense potential for wellness-driven industries. PM Modi highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the Northeast, emphasising its deep-rooted connection to music, dance, and celebrations. He noted that the region is an ideal destination for global conferences, concerts, and destination weddings, positioning it as a complete tourism package. He stated that as development reaches every corner of the Northeast, its positive impact on tourism is evident, with visitor numbers doubling. He remarked that these are not just statistics this surge has led to the rise of homestays in villages, new employment opportunities for young guides, and the expansion of the tour and travel ecosystem. Underscoring the need to elevate Northeast tourism further, he pointed out the vast investment potential in eco-tourism and cultural tourism. Reaffirming that peace and law and order are the most crucial factors for any region's development, PM Modi stated, 'Our government has a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and insurgency'. He noted that the Northeast was once associated with blockades and conflict, which severely impacted opportunities for its youth. He outlined the government's consistent efforts toward peace agreements, stating that over the past 10-11 years, more than 10,000 young individuals have abandoned arms to embrace peace. He emphasised that this shift has unlocked new employment and entrepreneurial opportunities within the region. PM Modi further highlighted the impact of the MUDRA scheme, which has provided thousands of crores in financial support to lakhs of youth in the Northeast. He further noted the rise of educational institutions, helping young individuals develop skills for the future. He stated that the youth of the Northeast are not just internet users but emerging digital innovators. He emphasised advancements such as over 13,000 kilometres of optical fibre expansion, 4G and 5G coverage, and growing opportunities in the technology sector. 'Young entrepreneurs are now launching major startups within the region, reinforcing the Northeast's role as India's digital gateway', he added. Emphasising the critical role of skill development in driving growth and securing a better future, the Prime Minister stated that the Northeast provides a favourable environment for this advancement, with the central government making substantial investments in education and skill-building initiatives. The Prime Minister highlighted that over the past decade, Rs21,000 crore has been invested in the Northeast's education sector. He noted key developments, including the establishment of over 800 new schools, the region's first AIIMS, nine new medical colleges, and two new IIITs. Additionally, he cited the creation of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication campus in Mizoram and nearly 200 new skill development institutes across the region. He further remarked that India's first sports university is being developed in the Northeast, with significant investments under the Khelo India program. He pointed out that eight Khelo India Centres of Excellence and more than 250 Khelo India Centres have been established, fostering sports talent across the region. The Prime Minister assured that the Northeast now offers top-tier talent across various sectors, encouraging industries and investors to leverage the region's immense potential. The Prime Minister also stressed the growing global demand for organic food, stating that his vision is for an Indian food brand to be present on every dining table worldwide. He highlighted the Northeast's pivotal role in realising this dream. He said that over the past decade, the scope of organic farming in the Northeast has doubled, with the region producing high-quality tea, pineapples, oranges, lemons, turmeric, and ginger. He affirmed that the exceptional taste and superior quality of these products have led to rising international demand. He also encouraged stakeholders to capitalise on this growing market, recognising the Northeast's potential as a key driver of India's organic food exports. Underscoring the government's commitment to facilitating the establishment of food processing units in the Northeast, the Prime Minister stated that while enhanced connectivity is already supporting this initiative, additional efforts are being made to develop mega food parks, expand cold storage networks, and provide testing lab facilities. He highlighted the launch of the Oil Palm Mission, recognising the Northeast's soil and climate as highly suitable for palm oil cultivation. He noted that this initiative offers a strong income opportunity for farmers while reducing India's dependency on edible oil imports. He further added that palm oil farming presents a significant opportunity for industries, encouraging stakeholders to tap into the region's agricultural potential. 'Northeast is emerging as a key destination for two strategic sectors--energy and semiconductors', stressed PM Modi, highlighting the government's extensive investments in hydropower and solar power across all Northeastern states, with several thousand crores worth of projects already approved. He noted that beyond investment opportunities in plants and infrastructure, there is significant potential in manufacturing, including solar modules, cells, storage solutions, and research. He underscored the importance of maximising investment in these areas, stating that greater self-sufficiency today will reduce dependence on foreign imports in the future. PM Modi further remarked on the growing role of Assam in strengthening India's semiconductor ecosystem. He announced that the first Made in India chip from a Northeast-based semiconductor plant will soon be introduced, signalling a major regional milestone. He affirmed that this development is unlocking opportunities for cutting-edge technology and solidifying the Northeast's position in India's high-tech industrial growth. 'Rising Northeast is more than just an investors' summit--it is a movement and a call to action', emphasised the Prime Minister, stating that India's future will reach new heights through the Northeast's progress and prosperity. The Prime Minister expressed full confidence in the business leaders present, urging them to unite and drive growth. Concluding his address, he called upon stakeholders to work together to transform Ashtalakshmi--the symbol of the Northeast's potential--into a guiding force for a Viksit Bharat. He expressed confidence that by then, th would have propelled way ahead. Th by the next Rising Northeaste Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma, Chief Minister of Mizoram, Lalduhoma, Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang, Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, Union Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar were present among other dignitaries at the event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Rising North East Investors Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with the aim of highlighting the North East Region as a land of opportunity, attracting global and domestic investment, and bringing together key stakeholders, investors, and policymakers on a single platform. The Rising North East Investors Summit, a two-day event from May 23-24, is the culmination of various pre-summit activities, such as a series of roadshows, and states' roundtables, including the Ambassador's Meet and Bilateral Chambers Meet, organised by the central government with active support from the state governments of the North Eastern Region. The Summit will include ministerial sessions, Business-to-Government sessions, Business-to-Business meetings, startups and exhibitions of policy and related initiatives taken by State Government and Central ministries for investment promotion. The main focus sectors of investment promotion include Tourism and Hospitality, Agro-Food Processing and allied sectors; Textiles, Handloom, and Handicrafts; Healthcare; Education and Skill Development; Information Technology or Information Technology Enabled Services; Infrastructure and Logistics; Energy; and Entertainment and Sports. (ANI)
