Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of several development projects worth more than Rs 1700 crores in Nagaland at the Viksit Bharat Viksit North East Programme in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday.
The important projects whose foundation stones were laid included multiple road projects, construction of Unity Mall in Chümoukedima district and the upgradation of capacity transformation at 132kv sub-station Nagarjan, Dimapur. PM Modi also inaugurated the project for the upgradation of road from Chendang Saddle to Noklak (Phase-1) and several other road projects including Kohima-Jessami Road.
During the programme, Prime Minister also launched a new Industrial Development Scheme for North East, UNNATI (Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme). The scheme will strengthen the industrial ecosystem in the North East, attract new investment, help set up new manufacturing and services units and give a boost to employment in the northeastern States.
This scheme, worth Rs. 10,000 crore, is fully funded by the Central Government and covers all 8 North Eastern States. The scheme will provide incentives for capital investment, interest subvention and a manufacturing & services linked incentive to the approved units. A portal is also being started for easy and transparent registration of eligible units. UNNATI will help catalyze industrial development and aid economic growth and development of the North East region.
Speaking at the programme on the Cabinet’s approval for the UNNATI scheme, PM Modi underlined the working style of the government as the scheme got notified in one day and guidelines were issued. He pointed out the push for modern infrastructure in the last 10 years, the implementation of about a dozen peace accords and the resolution of border disputes.
The next step, the Prime Minister said, is the expansion of industry in the region. “Rs 10,000 crore UNNATI scheme will bring new possibilities of investment and jobs”, PM Modi said. He spelt out his focus on startups, new technologies, homestays and tourism-related opportunities for the youth of the region.
