Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Feb 9: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said here today that Northeast will soon be India’s “youth destination” and the day is not far when youngsters from all parts of India will be found travelling to Northeast to explore new avenues of livelihood and vocation.
While releasing the brochure and event schedule of, possibly the first of its kind, three-day Northeast Festival beginning from 12th February and titled “Destination Northeast – 2016”, Dr Jitendra Singh said, it is important for the rest of India to know what Northeast is all about so that its vast resources and potentials can be availed across the country. After the successful conclusion of the three-day event at Pragati Maidan here, he said, similar showcase events will also be organized at Mumbai, Bengaluru and other cities and once this process is accomplished, “Destination Northeast” will turn into “Destination Indian Youth”.
Outlining the main purpose of the event, Dr Jitendra Singh said, it will be spread over different sessions extending for three days and will provide an insight information about a wide range of aspects including enhancing the scope of livelihood in Northeast, micro financing for inclusive growth, prospects and challenges in Northeast and above all, huge startup opportunities offered by the Northeast. Similarly, concurrent sessions will be held to highlight value – added attributes of the region, ranging from handloom to fabrics in garments, need based skill development, potential of northeast handicrafts in domestic and international markets and finally, scope of entrepreneurship.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, that during the last one-and-a-half year under the present government, a number of new initiatives had been launched in the region which include the decision to set up a Sports University in Manipur considering the high number of medalists from the area in the field of athletics, setting up of a film institute in Arunachal Pradesh considering its natural scenic beauty and acknowledgement of Sikkim as an “Organic State”. Only last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Assam, inaugurated IIIT in Guwahati and announced “deemed status” for the Central Institute of Technology at Kokrajhar, he added.
With Prime Minister’s emphasis on “Startup India” , Dr Jitendra Singh said, Northeast is soon going to be the most sought after destination for the purpose. The currently ongoing South Asian Games at Guwahati have proved to be an eye opener of North-Eastern region’s opportunities, not only for the people of India, but for the entire South-East Asia.
Secretary DoNER Naveen Verma and other senior officers of ministry were present on the occasion.
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