New Delhi 03 November :- Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia today inaugurated the North Eastern Science & Technology (NEST) Cluster at IIT Guwahati and laid the foundation stone for transformative development projects worth ₹635 crore across Assam.
The event was attended by senior officials from the Government of Assam, representatives of educational institutions, and members of the scientific and entrepreneurial community.
Speaking on the occasion, Scindia described Assam as “the heartbeat of a rising Northeast, where the mighty Brahmaputra flows as a symbol of continuity, courage, and creativity.” He said Assam, long the gateway to India’s eastern renaissance, is now emerging as the innovation and connectivity hub of a Viksit Purvottar.
FOUNDATION STONE FOR ₹635 CRORE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN ASSAM
The Minister laid the foundation stone for projects totalling ₹635 crore, aimed at catalysing growth, connectivity, and opportunity across Assam — strengthening its role as the gateway to Southeast Asia.
Key projects include:
– Infrastructure Development of 65 New Secondary School Buildings – ₹455 Cr
– Upgradation of Chayagaon–Ukium Road – ₹102.69 Cr
– RCC Bridge at Silonijan–Dhansiri Par Ghat – ₹20.59 Cr
– Development of Industrial Estate at Ramphalbil (Kokrajhar) – ₹14.40 Cr
– Development of Industrial Estate at Lakhibazar (Baksa) – ₹18.40 Cr
Highlighting the human impact, Scindia said, “Every brick laid and every classroom built is a promise kept in the service of aspiration.”
NEST CLUSTER AT IIT GUWAHATI: NORTH EAST’S INNOVATION NERVE CENTRE
The North Eastern Science & Technology (NEST) Cluster, established with an investment of ₹22.98 crore, will serve as the nerve centre of the Northeast’s innovation ecosystem — transforming local wisdom into global solutions. It will focus on four verticals: Grassroots Innovation; Semiconductors & Artificial Intelligence; Bamboo-Based Technologies; Biodegradable Plastics.
The NEST Cluster will complement DoNER’s youth-centric programmes such as NE-SPARKS and Ashtalakshmi Darshan, through which 3,200 students from across India will visit the Northeast, while 800 Northeastern students will undertake scientific exposure visits to ISRO.
SHOWCASING CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY AT IIT GUWAHATI
During his visit to the IIT Guwahati exhibition, the Minister interacted with students and researchers showcasing innovations in 6G communication, biodegradable polymers, bamboo tissue culture, and low-field MRI systems for accessible healthcare.
Reviewing the biodegradable polymer project, Scindia remarked, “If you get this going, it will be the future,” commending the students’ spirit of scientific curiosity and sustainable innovation.
As part of the NEST Mission’s focus on inclusive innovation, 30 rural women from Kamrup District were felicitated for completing training in biodegradable toy manufacturing using Industry 4.0 technologies. They will now receive continued support to establish their own micro-enterprises.
He also unveiled the NEST Cluster logo, beautifully designed by rural women trained in sustainable toy manufacturing, reflecting the spirit of innovation rooted in inclusivity and empowered by Nari Shakti.
