‘DoNER House complex being set up in Guwahati’

New Delhi: Union Minister of State (independent charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jitendra Singh on Friday announced the setting up of a multi-purpose “DoNER House” complex at Guwahati, Assam housing a meeting hall, conference hall and other infrastructural support.
The announcement came while speaking at the celebrations of Magh Bihu (Makar Sankranti) festival, organised by his ministry at Dilli Haat here where he wished the people of Assam on the beginning of new year on the occasion.
”The NE region is now visible in the national capital and the celebration of such festivals in Delhi is an instance of that,” he said, pointing out that the development of north east has been the priority of the Government and the wholesome growth of the nation ”is not possible without the development of all regions including Northeast”.
Referring to the Narendra Modi Government laying special emphasis on the development of infrastructure in the region, he said besides an exclusive scheme for road development in the region, air and rail connectivity was being given priority by the Government.
”The connectivity will attract investments in the region which will lead to the development of the North east. It will also encourage start ups to come to north east,” he added.
The unexplored potential of the region needed to be explored and utilised, he said, adding that in February 2015, the Government started the practice of having a camp office in each state of north east on a rotational basis which had helped the officers to understand the problems on the region on the ground level.
Earlier the emphasis was on bringing the North east region closer to the national mainstream, but now emphasis was being laid on bringing the rest of India closer to the culture and diversity of north east, the minister said.
Bihu is the biggest post-harvest festival of Assam and other parts of the North-East and it coincides with other festivals such as Pongal, Lohri and Makar Sankranti.
On the occasion, artists from Song and Drama Division of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting presented dance performances from various states which symbolised the rich Indian culture as well as unity in diversity, an official statement here said. (UNI)