Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Minister of State for Education and Development of the North East Region, visited Guwahati on 20th September, 2024 to inaugurate key projects and review advancements in the educational and research sectors, informed Ministry of Development of North-East Region, PIB.
Dr. Majumdar inaugurated the Central Animal and In Vitro Drug Testing Facilities at the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) – Guwahati which is Northeast India’s first national pharma institute. “This project aligns with the visionary leadership of Narendra Modi, transforming Northeast India into a beacon of development and innovation,” he stated.
The Ministry stated that the facilities were funded under the Science & Technology Intervention in North Eastern Region (STINER) programme and sponsored by North Eastern Council. The facilities, with an investment of ₹20 crore, will advance research on herbal medicines from indigenous plants.
According to the Ministry, the key objectives of the facility include:
- Establish a fully equipped Animal House for drug discovery.
- Evaluate the efficacy and safety of traditional medicines.
- Create a breeding facility for Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) animals.
- Conduct skill development programs for students.
In view of conserving environment, a campaign has been set up under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” to plant 80 crore trees by September 2024 and 140 crore by March 2025. Dr. Majumdar also planted a sapling as part of the campaign during his visit.
Additionally, he also chaired a review meeting at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati to assess the status and prospects of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in Assam and North East India. Discussions focused on enhancing education quality and infrastructure development, with the goal of empowering the youth of our nation.
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The Centre for Brahmaputra Studies Building which is aimed for sustainable development and research on the Brahmaputra River was also inaugurated by Dr. Majumdar at Gauhati University. “This Centre reflects our government’s vision for holistic development in the North East, rooted in sustainability and innovation,” he remarked.
According to the Ministry, the key features of the centre for Brahmaputra Studies:
- Conduct multidisciplinary research on the Brahmaputra’s impact.
- Establish a data repository for research and policymaking.
- Collaborate with national and international institutions to address challenges like floods and erosion.
- Focus on capacity building through training and awareness programs.
Supported by the North Eastern Council (NEC) with a funding of ₹28 crores, the Centre is poised to become a globally recognised institution dedicated to addressing the challenges of the Brahmaputra River, added the Ministry.
