Agartala: Union Minister for Development of the North Eastern Region, Jotiraditya Scindia, announced on Friday that a special banking summit will be held alongside the North Eastern Council (NEC) plenary session to strengthen the banking network in the region.
In response to a question about the government’s initiatives to attract investment and promote the North East’s rich cultural heritage for tourism growth, Scindia said, “We have planned a special banking summit for the North Eastern states. This summit will be conducted during the North East Council’s plenary session. The main objective of the event is to bolster the banking infrastructure across the North East.”
Scindia also mentioned plans for investment summits and cultural programs. “From December 6 to 8, the Ashtalakshmi Sanskritik Dharohar will take place at Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam, featuring participants from all eight states showcasing their rich cultural heritage. Additionally, investment summits are being organized in various cities to attract investments. We are conducting roadshows in different cities as a prelude to the main summit, scheduled for April. At the last summit in Bangalore, we received expressions of interest worth Rs 9,600 crore. I have also requested Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha to attend the event,” he said.
Regarding railway connectivity in the North East, Scindia stated, “Nineteen railway projects worth Rs 82,000 crore are currently in progress in the region. Within the next two to three years, we aim to connect all North Eastern states by rail. In the last 65 years, only one state was connected by rail. Now, three states have established railway links.”
Scindia also highlighted the significant growth in tax devolution for Tripura. “Between 2004 and 2014, Tripura received Rs 8,900 crore in tax devolution, averaging Rs 900 crore annually. Over the past decade, this figure has risen to Rs 47,160 crore, averaging about Rs 5,000 crore annually. By 2024-25, Tripura is expected to receive Rs 8,823 crore, matching the total amount received over a decade during Congress rule,” he noted.
The Minister added that Tripura has been granted Rs 62,000 crore in aid—double the amount provided under the previous government.
Scindia further announced plans to install 119 mobile phone towers across Tripura to ensure comprehensive 4G coverage.
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