Centre to assist Assam, NE states to develop as part of Act East Policy: PM Modi

Guwahati, May 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, May 24 said the Centre would extend all assistance to Assam and other north eastern states to ensure their speedy development as part of the Act East Policy.

"Assam will be the centre point to bring about effective all-round development of the entire North East and this region will emerge as powerfully developed part of the country as a part of our Act East Policy," Modi said addressing a mammoth gathering after the swearing-in of first BJP government in Assam under Sarbananda Sonowal.

"We have a vision of all-round and balanced development in all parts of the country. We cannot rest if only the western part of the country progresses and the eastern part lag behinds. We are committed to ensure development of Assam, Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and the entire North East."

The Centre, he said, believes in competitive and cooperative federalism. "We give maximum power to the states who want to progress while we hold hands of states who are not strong enough and ensure that they too are brought to the path of progress and development."

NE region was earlier called the 'Seven Sisters'. "But for us it is 'asthalakshmi' (including Sikkim) and we are committed to the region's all-round balanced development."

The prime minister said all governments since Independence have done something good for the nation. "We must take this forward while striving to remove the prevailing deficiencies."

Modi assured that the Centre will not allow Assam to feel deprived in any way and will try to provide assistance in the same speed that the state government wants to bring about change and development.

Assam's deep rooted culture, ethics and values must be brought to the fore to inspire the rest of the country so that it can achieve moral strength and reach new heights, he said.

PTI