The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) organized eight Technical Sessions on 7^th & 8^th December, 2024 during the first edition of the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav by bringing together eminent panelists, who were domain experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to deliberate upon the issues pertaining to the opportunities and challenges facing the North Eastern Region. Four Technical Sessions were held each day on the issues like women leadership, technology adoption, healthcare, energy, culture, arts, and sports, with a view to promote sustainable growth and development in the region.

The topic of the first Technical Session was about Catalyzing North East’s Progress for a Viksit Bharat during which Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Hon’ble Minister of Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region; Shri Conrad K Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Meghalaya; Dr. Manik Saha, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Tripura; and Shri Prem Singh Tamang, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Sikkim put forward their view points with respect to the development framework for the North Eastern region. The Session emphasized the role of the North Eastern Region as a “Gateway to South-East Asia” and a crucial driver of India’s economic growth. The key outcomes of the session included a renewed focus on tourist infrastructure development, infrastructure expansion and a commitment to fostering sustainable growth through partnership between the Government of India and the State Governments of NE States.

The topic of the second Technical Session was about Women’s Leadership in Northeast for a Resilient and Sustainable Future. The panel emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms to remove the systemic barriers hindering women’s empowerment. It was discussed that despite progress in this field in recent times, more efforts are needed to ensure women's participation in leadership and decision-making. The outcome of the session was to call for immediate action to create inclusive growth by empowering women  and addressing the barriers for attaining their full participation in all spheres of life.

The topic of the third Technical Session was about Promoting Technology Adoption and Digital Transformation. The panel explored the transformative potential of AI, IoT, and other digital tools in Northeast India. It highlighted challenges such as digital infrastructure deficit, digital literacy gaps, and resistance to change. The outcome of the session was to establish a roadmap for overcoming these challenges, emphasis on investing in digital infrastructure, enhancing digital literacy, and adapting technologies to  regional needs to drive social and economic growth.

The topic of the forth Technical Session was about Strengthening Public Health Delivery in Northeast India. The panel discussed the need for coordinated efforts to improve public health delivery by combining modern healthcare with traditional systems. infrastructure development, policy innovation, and community engagement. The session highlighted the need for strategic investments in healthcare, education, and technology to bridge the existing gaps and ensure sustainable health outcomes.

The topic of the fifth Technical Session was about diversifying the Energy Mix for Power Generation and Transmission. The panel discussed about the Northeast India’s vast renewable energy potential in the sectors of hydropower, solar, wind, and biomass. The panel emphasized that a balanced, sustainable energy mix is necessary, alongside infrastructure and policy innovations. The panel recommended promoting decentralized energy solutions and  investing in green hydrogen, energy storage, and grid modernization, positioning the  region as a leader in India’s green energy revolution.

The topic of the sixth Technical Session was about Culture and Heritage of Northeast India in Contemporary Times. The panel stressed the need for a collaborative effort to preserve Northeast India’s cultural heritage while balancing tradition with modernity. The panel recommended the Leveraging of cultural assets for economic growth, cultural revitalization, and global recognition was seen as vital, with strong community involvement and support from cultural institutions.

The topic of the seventh Technical Session was about Leveraging Arts, Crafts, Music, and Festivals for Economic Growth. The panel discussion focused on using Northeast India’s unique arts, crafts, music, and festivals to unlock economic opportunities and drive cultural revitalization. The panel recommended a sustainable, inclusive path requiring involvement from both the government and local communities to support and promote regional arts and culture.

The topic of the eighth Technical Session was about Northeast India’s Sports Culture and Potential as a Major Sports Hub. The panel discussed about the Northeast India’s potential to become a sports hub, focusing on community involvement and the importance of sports infrastructure and grassroots initiatives. The key recommendations included expanding sports infrastructure, promoting women in sports, and supporting long-term athlete development. The session concluded with optimism for Northeast India’s future as a sports powerhouse.

The technical sessions held during the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav provided valuable insights into the potential of Northeast India across various sectors. The recommendations of the panel were primarily to augment investment in infrastructure, technology, healthcare and sports sectors to foster inclusive growth.

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SB/ARJ