Shillong, June 5: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has called for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to the development of the Northeast, stressing the need for stronger regional integration and connectivity to unlock the region’s vast economic potential.
Addressing the 73rd plenary session of the North Eastern Council in Shillong, Lalduhoma said the Centre’s Act East Policy and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the Northeast provide a strong foundation for the region’s future growth and transformation.
Highlighting the Northeast’s abundant natural resources, skilled workforce and rich cultural heritage, the Chief Minister said the region is strategically positioned to emerge as a major contributor to India’s economic development.
During the session, Lalduhoma submitted the final report of the High-Level Task Force on the Northeast Economic Corridor to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The report proposes a roadmap for enhancing inter-state connectivity, tourism, investment, trade and logistics across the Northeast.
One of the key recommendations is the adoption of a “One Grid Approach”, which seeks to integrate roads, railways, air connectivity, waterways, power supply, telecommunications and logistics infrastructure into a unified regional development framework.
Referring to the nearing completion of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, Lalduhoma stressed the importance of institutional preparedness to maximise the economic opportunities expected to emerge from improved regional connectivity.
He urged the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) to support initiatives focused on investment readiness, trade facilitation, entrepreneurship development, skill enhancement, logistics infrastructure and community participation.
The Chief Minister identified bamboo, agri-horticulture value chains, food processing, textiles, eco-tourism, green energy and digital services as sectors with significant potential to drive inclusive growth across the region.
Lalduhoma also proposed the creation of a common Northeast tourism circuit supported by integrated branding and facilitation mechanisms. He said the region could evolve into a major logistics and trade gateway under the Act East Policy, particularly through the proposed India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.
Calling for better implementation of the mandated 10 per cent Gross Budgetary Support earmarked for the Northeast, he advocated the establishment of a dedicated coordination mechanism between the DoNER Ministry and the NEC to improve monitoring and convergence of development programmes.
Emphasising the importance of youth empowerment, Lalduhoma urged greater investment in skill development, incubation centres, tourism and hospitality, logistics, agribusiness and technology-driven start-up ecosystems.
He also reiterated his proposal for the Thenzawl Peace City project, stating that it has the potential to emerge as a major hub for tourism, education, healthcare, sports and agro-based industries.
The NEC plenary session was attended by Amit Shah, Sukanta Majumdar, chief ministers, senior ministers and top officials from across the northeastern states.
