Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region inaugurated the North Eastern Science & Technology (NEST) Cluster at IIT Guwahati and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth ₹635 crore across Assam. The initiatives aim to boost connectivity, education, industry, and innovation in the state — positioning Assam as the gateway to a Viksit (Developed) Northeast.

Key Highlights

1. Infrastructure and Connectivity Projects (₹635 crore total):

• 65 New Secondary School Buildings: ₹455 crore – expanding access to quality education in rural Assam.
  
• Chayagaon–Ukium Road Upgrade: ₹102.69 crore – improving regional connectivity near the Indo-Bhutan border.
  
• RCC Bridge at Silonijan–Dhansiri Par Ghat: ₹20.59 crore – ensuring safer, faster inter-district travel.
  
• Industrial Estate at Ramphalbil (Kokrajhar): ₹14.40 crore.
  
• Industrial Estate at Lakhibazar (Baksa): ₹18.40 crore – promoting local entrepreneurship and small-scale industries.
  

2. Launch of North Eastern Science & Technology (NEST) Cluster:

• Investment: ₹22.98 crore; based at IIT Guwahati.
  
• Focus Areas:
  
  1. Grassroots Innovation
     
  2. Semiconductors & Artificial Intelligence
     
  3. Bamboo-Based Technologies
     
  4. Biodegradable Plastics
     
• The NEST Cluster aims to convert local wisdom into global solutions, serving as a hub for research, innovation, and technology transfer in the region.
  

3. Youth and Research Linkages:

• Initiatives like NE-SPARKS and Ashtalakshmi Darshan will enable 3,200 students from across India to visit the Northeast, while 800 Northeastern students will gain scientific exposure at institutions like ISRO.
  
• Students at IIT Guwahati showcased projects in 6G communication, bamboo tissue culture, biodegradable polymers, and low-field MRI systems, reflecting the region’s growing innovation ecosystem.
  

Exam Hook – UPSC Prelims Question

Which of the following statements regarding recent development initiatives in Assam is/are correct?

1. The North Eastern Science & Technology (NEST) Cluster has been established at IIT Guwahati.
   
2. NEST focuses on Artificial Intelligence, Bamboo Technologies, Grassroots Innovation, and Biodegradable Plastics.
   
3. The Chayagaon–Ukium Road project is being developed under the Act East Policy framework.
   

Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)

One-line wrap:
The ₹635-crore foundation and NEST Cluster at IIT Guwahati mark a transformative step in making Assam the innovation and connectivity hub of a Viksit Northeast.

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