Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Saturday announced that the high-level Northeast investment task force is scheduled to submit its strategic report to the North Eastern Council (NEC) by September this year. The report will lay out a comprehensive roadmap to accelerate industrial growth. Also, attract private and public investments in the eight northeastern states.
Speaking to reporters at the Civil Secretariat in Agartala, Dr. Saha emphasized the importance of the task force in bridging the region’s economic gaps and unlocking its untapped potential.
Strategic Roadmap for Economic Transformation
The high-powered Northeast investment task force was formed earlier this year under the guidance of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER). Its main objective is to identify sectoral opportunities, streamline infrastructure projects, and make policy recommendations to foster investment-friendly environments across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura.
“This task force is not just a bureaucratic setup. It is composed of experts from industry, policy think tanks, and state administrations. Hence, we are expecting actionable insights that will reshape our development path,” said CM Saha.
Focus Areas: Tourism, Agro-Industries, and Infrastructure
The report is expected to focus on several key sectors including tourism, organic farming, agro-based industries, handloom and handicrafts, and connectivity infrastructure. Special emphasis will be placed on sustainable development. Also, green energy solutions in alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision of a self-reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat).
Officials close to the task force confirmed that preliminary surveys have already begun in states like Meghalaya and Nagaland. Moreover, the team has been assessing logistics bottlenecks, power supply issues, and land availability for potential industrial hubs.
North Eastern Council to Review Recommendations
The final report will be submitted to the North Eastern Council (NEC), headquartered in Shillong. The council will then review the recommendations and coordinate with respective state governments and the central ministries for implementation.
Dr. Saha added that the NEC’s support is critical in pooling resources. And ensuring that the development is balanced across all states. “Tripura is committed to contributing its share of insights and experiences to shape a future-oriented strategy for the entire region,” he said.
Central Government’s Push for Northeast Development
This development aligns with the Centre’s recent push to integrate the Northeast into India’s mainstream economy. Also, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and DoNER Minister G. Kishan Reddy have repeatedly emphasized the need for accelerated development in the region.
According to a recent North East Council report, the Northeast contributes less than 3% to India’s GDP despite being rich in natural resources and human capital. Further, by increasing private sector participation, the NEC aims to raise this figure significantly over the next decade.
Local Industries Welcome the Initiative
Local industry bodies, including the Tripura Chamber of Commerce, have welcomed the task force’s initiative. “Investment is the only way to generate employment and reverse out-migration in the Northeast. We are looking forward to a practical and time-bound action plan,” said Subrata Deb, a prominent industrialist in Agartala.
Experts have also urged the task force to address concerns related to ease of doing business, internet connectivity, and cross-border trade with Bangladesh.
Tripura CM Dr. Manik Saha has called upon all northeastern states to actively engage with the task force and share their region-specific challenges and growth opportunities. “Only through collective effort can we turn the Northeast into an engine of national growth,” he concluded.
For more updates on Northeast regional development, visit our Northeast News Section.
