Scindia inaugurates North Eastern Science & Technology cluster, lays foundation for ₹635-crore projects in Assam
Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia on Monday inaugurated the North Eastern Science & Technology (NEST) Cluster at IIT Guwahati and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth ₹635 crore across Assam, aimed at transforming the state into the innovation and connectivity hub of a Viksit Purvottar .
The event was attended by senior officials of the Assam government, representatives from educational institutions, and members of the scientific and entrepreneurial community.
NEST* *c* *luster: A* *h* *ub for* *i* *nnovation and* *i* *nclusivity
Established at a cost of ₹22.98 crore, the NEST Cluster will serve as the “nerve centre” of the Northeast’s innovation ecosystem, focusing on grassroots innovation, semiconductors and artificial intelligence, bamboo-based technologies, and biodegradable plastics.
The initiative seeks to transform indigenous knowledge into global solutions while creating new opportunities for researchers, entrepreneurs, and local communities. It will complement DoNER’s youth-oriented initiatives such as NE-SPARKS and Ashtalakshmi Darshan, under which students from across India will engage in scientific exposure programmes in the region.
Speaking at the event, Scindia described Assam as “the heartbeat of a rising Northeast, where the Brahmaputra flows as a symbol of continuity, courage, and creativity.” He said the state was emerging as the “gateway to India’s eastern renaissance” and a critical pillar of the Act East vision.
₹635-* *c* *rore* *d* *evelopment* *p* *rojects to* *s* *pur* *g* *rowth
The projects launched include 65 new secondary school buildings worth ₹455 crore, the upgradation of the Chayagaon–Ukium Road at ₹102.69 crore, an RCC bridge at Silonijan–Dhansiri Par Ghat for ₹20.59 crore, and the development of industrial estates at Ramphalbil in Kokrajhar and Lakhibazar in Baksa, with a combined investment of ₹32.8 crore.
“These development packages are packages of unity every brick laid and every classroom built is a promise kept in the service of aspiration,” Scindia said, underlining the government’s focus on inclusive growth.
Encouraging* *g* *rassroots* *i* *nnovation and Nari Shakti
During his visit to IIT Guwahati’s technology exhibition, Scindia interacted with researchers showcasing innovations in 6G communication, biodegradable polymers, bamboo tissue culture, and low-field MRI systems designed for affordable healthcare. Commending their efforts, he said, “If you get this going, it will be the future.”
As part of NEST’s inclusivity mission, 30 rural women from Kamrup district were felicitated for completing training in biodegradable toy manufacturing using Industry 4.0 technologies. The NEST Cluster logo, designed by these women, was also unveiled symbolising innovation rooted in empowerment and sustainability.
Transforming the* *n* *ortheast
Highlighting the Modi government’s development push, Scindia said that over ₹6.2 lakh crore had been invested in the Northeast under the 10% Gross Budgetary Support policy, driving connectivity and enterprise. He cited landmark projects such as the Bogibeel Bridge, Bhupen Hazarika Setu, Sela Tunnel, and Jogighopa Multi-Modal Logistics Park, which have redefined the region’s infrastructure landscape.
Under the Act East Policy, new road and rail links via Bangladesh have reduced travel time between Kolkata and Agartala from 31 hours to just 10, he noted. The Minister also referred to recent central projects worth ₹6,500 crore in Darrang and ₹18,530 crore across Assam, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to holistic and people-centric growth.