Shillong, June 12: Union Minister of State Santanu Thakur on Friday asserted that the BJP-led government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accorded special priority to the development of the Northeast and has undertaken numerous initiatives to enhance connectivity, infrastructure, and public welfare across the region.

Addressing media persons at the State Convention Centre in Shillong during his visit to Meghalaya, Thakur said the Northeast has witnessed substantial progress under the Modi government, with several development projects being implemented to improve the quality of life of the people.

He stated that the Centre has focused on ensuring that the benefits of development reach every section of society and noted that various welfare schemes launched by the government have positively impacted citizens across the country, including those residing in remote and underserved areas of the Northeast.

Highlighting what he described as a key challenge, the Union Minister said the issue is not a lack of development but the effective communication of government achievements to the public. He stressed the need for stronger coordination and engagement among party workers, government agencies, and citizens to ensure that information about developmental initiatives reaches the grassroots.

Thakur further observed that the Northeast possesses immense potential for economic growth and social development. He expressed confidence that continued cooperation between the Central Government and the Northeastern states would accelerate progress and unlock new opportunities for the region.

Emphasizing the government’s broader vision for the Northeast, he also underscored the importance of strengthening infrastructure, improving connectivity, and creating employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people, which he said remain central to the region’s long-term development agenda.