Latest news with #MinistryofDevelopmentoftheNorthEasternRegion


India Today
15-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Northeast improves on hunger, poverty parameters, a decade after Act East
The Northeast region is making good progress overall in poverty reduction, eliminating hunger, providing education, gender equality and providing clean water and sanitation to the people of the eight states — the seven sisters and Sikkim — according to a report released by the Niti Aayog and the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (MoDoNER). The North East Region's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index for 2023-24, shows that 103 districts, accounting for 85% of the region's 121 districts surveyed, are 'Front Runners'. This is a significant rise from 2021-22, when 62%, or 64, of the 103 districts surveyed were clasified as 'Front Runners'.advertisementThe report reveals that Achiever districts in the Northeast have increased from 12 in 2021-22 to 26 in the latest districts are categorised based on their progress as Achievers (those that have met the target), Front Runners (close to meeting the target), Performers (showing moderate progress), and Aspirants (requiring more focused attention). The NER's SDG Index used 84 indicators to evaluate progress in areas like poverty, hunger, and in the 'poverty' category, the number of Aspirant districts has seen a sharp decline, dropping from 20 to just 3. Similar was the case under 'zero hunger' category, where Aspirant districts have dropped from 21 to just Water and Sanitation (SDG 6) has 114 Front Runner districts, up from 81, driven by initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Equality (SDG 5) progressed, with 112 districts as Front Runners, up from 71. Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7) doubled its Achiever districts to 14, indicating better access to electrification and clean cooking MIZORAM, TRIPURA DISTRICTS IN TOP 10Three districts each from Nagaland, Mizoram, and Tripura, and one from Sikkim made it to the list of Top 10 districts on the NER's SDG Index for all districts in Mizoram and Tripura emerged as 'Front Runners'. Hnahthial in Mizoram led with a score of performed well on a slew of parameters, such as gender equality (SDG 5), clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), and sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), among eight districts, all Front Runners, showed consistent progress in infrastructure (SDG 9) and reduced inequalities (SDG 10), with Gomati ranking fourth overall at PERFORMANCES VARY IN THE NORTH EAST REGIONAssam, with 89% of its 33 districts as Front Runners, is strong in Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), led by Dibrugarh. In the NER District SDG Index 2021-22, Assam had 31 districts assessed, with 19 districts (61%) classified as Front six districts, all Front Runners, performed well in Quality Education (SDG 4).advertisementTripura showed strength in Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10).Arunachal Pradesh, with 59% Front Runners, lagged in Climate Action (SDG 13), while Meghalaya struggled with Quality Education (SDG 4).NORTHEAST STILL LAGS BEHIND ON SOME INDICATORSThough there has been a significant improvement overall, there are still many districts in the Northeast that lag on several Action (SDG 13) has 49 districts in the Aspirant category, signalling weak environmental Consumption and Production (SDG 12) saw Front Runner districts drop from 67 to Inequalities (SDG 10) also weakened, with Aspirant districts rising from 12 to MANIPUR SEES 75% FRONT RUNNERSManipur, marked by ethnic tensions since May 3, 2023, showed a mixed its 16 districts, 75% are Front Runners. The state performed well in Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16).Imphal West was ranked the top Noney and Pherzwl districts were ranked national schemes and local efforts have driven gains, challenges like climate resilience, inequality, and incomplete data collection require targeted coverage has grown from 103 districts in the first edition to 121 in the latest, data gaps in newly created and remote districts remain. Only filling these gaps can present a complete picture of the entire Northeast report, released with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), assessed 121 of 131 districts across eight states on 15 of the 17 SDG districts were excluded, seemingly because they were either newly created or located in remote areas. Of these, five districts were from Nagaland, which were formed in 2021 and 2022. One district was excluded from Meghalaya, two districts were excluded from Assam, and two districts were excluded from Arunachal only 15 SDGs were considered for the region because SDG 14 (Life Below Water) may not be applicable to the landlocked region, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) may have limited relevance at the district level due to its focus on global cooperation and resource mobilisation.- EndsMust Watch


Time of India
29-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
PM Modi calls Meghalaya's Eri Silk ‘Ahimsa Silk', praises eco-friendly production in Mann Ki Baat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi , in the 123rd episode of his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat, lauded the traditional Eri Silk of Meghalaya , which has gained global recognition. PM Modi stated that the production process of Eri Silk does not involve killing silkworms, making it an ethical and eco-friendly alternative in the global textile market. That is the reason the Meghalaya silk is also called ' Ahimsa Silk '. "Eri Silk from Meghalaya was recently awarded a GI tag... The tribes of Meghalaya, especially the Khasi community, have preserved it for generations and enriched it with their skills... The silkworms that produce this are not killed, which is why it is known as 'Ahimsa Silk,'" PM Modi said during his Man Ki Baat. Emphasising its environmental appeal, the Prime Minister said that Eri Silk presents an opportunity because of its characteristics. "It is a perfect product for the global market since there is an increased demand for products that don't harm the environment," he added. Live Events PM Modi also highlighted the functional benefits of the fabric, noting that Eri Silk keeps the wearer warm in winter and cool in summer, a unique property that makes it suitable for all climates. "This silk keeps you warm during winters and cool during summers," he added. Further praising the role of local communities, he said, "Women of Meghalaya are taking this to a larger scale via self-help groups," showcasing how grassroots efforts are empowering women and expanding the reach of indigenous products. Eri Silk is renowned as the world's only vegan silk , where, unlike other silks, the moth inside the cocoon is not killed. Instead, the moth naturally exits the cocoon, leaving it behind for us to use. This ethical and eco-friendly process sets Eri Silk apart, making it a symbol of compassion and sustainability in the textile industry. Last year, the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), under the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER), Government of India, obtained the prestigious Oeko-Tex certification for its Eri Silk directly from Germany on the nation's 78th Independence Day. This remarkable accomplishment not only elevates the region's traditional craftsmanship but also positions Eri Silk as a globally recognised, sustainable textile. This achievement further solidifies the silk's status as a Geographical Indication (GI) product of Assam, underscoring its authenticity and regional significance. This certification marks a pivotal step in bringing Eri Silk closer to penetrating the global export market, expanding its reach, and establishing a strong international presence. The milestone also opens new doors for Eri Silk, positioning it as a leading eco-friendly fabric in the international market and showcasing the region's potential in contributing to the global textile industry.


Mint
25-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
Northeast secures ₹4.3 trillion investment proposals at MDoNER Summit
New Delhi: The Rising North East Summit, held on 23–24 May by the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (MDoNER), has attracted investment proposals worth ₹ 4.3 trillion, following a series of roadshows across nine Indian cities and engagements with major corporates, public sector undertakings, and foreign governments. In a statement released on 25 May, MDoNER said it has been holding extensive discussions with various stakeholders, including ambassadors, diplomats, and investors to promote investment opportunities in the Northeast. These included 'Ambassadors' Meets' involving representatives from over 95 countries, six state-focused roundtables, six sector-specific industry interactions, and multiple consultations with PSUs, business chambers, and corporate houses. 'These discussions have borne real fruit in the form of ₹ 4.3 lakh crore worth of investment proposals,' said Jyotiraditya Scindia, minister for communications and development of the north eastern region. On the summit's opening day, business leaders including Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani, Adani Group chairperson Gautam Adani, and Vedanta chairman Anil Agarwal announced plans to invest more than ₹ 1.55 trillion in the region. Mint had reported on 14 May that the government was targeting cumulative proposals of ₹ 2.5–3 trillion, figures now surpassed by the summit's final tally. To ensure effective implementation, MDoNER has set up eight sectoral task forces focusing on agriculture, sports, investment promotion, tourism, economic corridors, infrastructure, textiles and handicrafts, and animal husbandry. Each northeastern state will also develop its own sectoral roadmap, Scindia said. 'We will continue B2G and B2B dialogues, with MDoNER acting as a bridge between investors and state governments to ensure rapid conversion of proposals into on-ground projects,' he added. Read this | Sukanta Majumdar, minister of state for DoNER, highlighted the region's infrastructure gains over the past decade. 'National highways in the region have grown from 10,905 km in 2014 to 16,207 km in 2024. Power capacity has risen by 694.5 megawatts, and over 10,000 circuit kilometers of transmission and distribution lines have been added. The number of operational airports has nearly doubled—from nine in 2014 to 17 in 2024,' he said. Scindia also underlined the Northeast's historical economic importance. 'For six decades after Independence, successive governments failed to recognize the vast potential of this land—which once contributed nearly 20% to India's GDP,' he said. 'The ₹ 4.3 lakh crore (trillion) investment pipeline can help transform it into an economic powerhouse.' The proposed investments will be spread across all eight Northeastern states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. Scindia added that the region also holds strategic potential as a gateway to Southeast Asia. At the summit's curtain raiser earlier this month, MDoNER had shared a breakdown of 732 investment proposals worth ₹ 1.12 lakh crore already in the pipeline: Arunachal Pradesh: ₹ 24,338 crore (77 proposals), Assam: ₹ 38,685 crore (106 proposals), Manipur: ₹ 2,919 crore (39 proposals), Meghalaya: ₹ 14,753 crore (110 proposals), Mizoram: ₹ 5,111 crore (75 proposals), Nagaland: ₹ 8,671 crore (82 proposals), Sikkim: ₹ 6,747 crore (110 proposals), and Tripura: ₹ 11,755 crore (132 proposals).