Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Sept 9: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated here today, the two day “Northeast Calling” festival, the first of its kind to be organised by the Ministry of DoNER in the union capital.
According to Dr Jitendra Singh, “North East Calling” event is a part of “Destination North East” series planned with the objective of carrying Northeast to different parts of the country. Often it is said that Northeast should be brought closer to the rest of India but actually, it is the other way round and the rest of India needs to come closer to Northeast and learn from its rich attributes and traits, he added.
While inaugurating the event, Dr Jitendra Singh appealed to the public to come and visit the festival and understand the richness of culture of North East. He said that the Northeast has been on the priority of the Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that the focus has not only been bringing North East closer to the rest of country, but also to bring rest of India closer to the Northeast. He said that these events, that too in the heart of national capital, help the artisans and people of Northeast to showcase their talent. He also informed that similar events will be organised in other parts of the country in future. He said that Ministry had already organised ‘Destination North East’ festival in Chandigarh recently.
Highlighting the initiatives taken by the Ministry for the Northeast, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the DoNER Ministry had introduced a concept of “DoNER at Doorstep”. He said that during each given fortnight, at least eight Union Ministers from New Delhi visits Northeast which means that one Minister each is available in each of the eight States every 15 days. This helps them to make an assessment of the development works related to their Ministries and also enables them to gain first-hand inputs from the local population there, he added.
Citing other initiatives, Dr Jitendra Singh said that foundation stone of a Hostel in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus was laid this year. He also said that last year, the foundation stone of a Hostel exclusively for Northeast girl students was laid in Bangalore University. He said that the Ministry of DoNER has created “Venture Capital Fund” for the young Start-Ups and entrepreneurs, who decide to initiate an enterprise in NE region.
Dr Jitendra Singh also informed that a North Eastern Cultural and Information Centre will be set up in Delhi soon. He said that Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has allotted a land measuring 5341.75 sqm. (1.32 acre) at Sector-13, Dwarka, New Delhi, to North Eastern Council (NEC) for the purpose of construction of this Centre. The Minister said that it will be constructed at par with the international standards and is expected to be completed within 1-2 years.
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