New Delhi: The Northeastern region of India has moved from the margins to become the epicentre of the country’s development journey, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary, said on Saturday.
Addressing the Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025 in the national capital, Chaudhary highlighted the transformation unfolding across the region — from Mizoram’s 100% literacy achievement to the growing entrepreneurial energy among its youth.
“The Northeast is no longer waiting for change — it is driving it. From the tea gardens of Assam to digital creators in Shillong, the region is charting its own development path,” he said.
“We must now nurture this momentum by fostering risk-taking, skill development, and building robust ecosystem support.”
Chaudhary emphasised the importance of preparing youth for emerging technologies, spotlighting the ministry’s upcoming initiative, ‘Skilling for AI Readiness’ (SOAR).
Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), the programme aims to empower students with the skills to ethically innovate in an AI-driven economy.
“The future belongs to artificial intelligence, and India must be at the forefront. Through SOAR, we aim to prepare our youth — especially from regions like the Northeast — to lead with indigenous AI solutions. Every young mind, from Arunachal to Assam, must be equipped to shape India’s role on the global stage,” he said.
The minister praised the community-driven resilience and ambition of the Northeastern states, noting that their collective energy, combined with national support, is laying the foundation for sustained progress.
A highlight of the summit was the ‘Udyamita se Atmanirbhar Pavilion’, an initiative by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), which showcased success stories of eight entrepreneurs from the region trained by the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE).
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Since 2015, the ministry has made significant strides in the Northeast, providing over 49,000 apprenticeships and supporting more than 300,000 aspiring entrepreneurs through its Entrepreneurial Awareness Programmes (EAP) and Entrepreneurial Development Programmes (EDP).
Chaudhary concluded with a call for greater investment and collaboration, saying, “The Northeast is not just participating in India’s growth story — it is helping write the next chapter.”
