Strengthening Communication for Inclusive growth of the North-East a priority: I&B Minister Shri Prakash Javadekar

I&B Minister Shri Prakash Javadekar today met a delegation led by Shri M.P. Bezbaruah to have a wide-ranging discussion on issues related to the North-Eastern region. During the course of discussions, Shri Javadekar said that the North-East should be India’s gateway to the South-East Asia. Emphasizing on strengthening Indian TV and Radio Channels, he observed that these channels of communication should promote harmony in the states and take our rich culture beyond the borders of India.

The discussions included recommendations for promoting north-east as a filming destination and featuring North-East films in the various film festivals. Appreciating the talent in the people of this region, the Minister observed that there should be better participation of the North-eastern people in the various genres of information and entertainment. A constant dialogue and an inclusive approach were realized as the need of the hour in order to integrate our north-eastern brethren into the mainstream.

Reminiscing former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s initiative of better air-connectivity with the North-east, he called for a need to explore plans for integrating the north-east with the rest of India through telecom, digital, radio and TV connectivity.

Earlier the delegation was presented with the IEC initiatives of the I&B Ministry in the North-Eastern States. The delegation appreciated the efforts of the Ministry and called for the empathy and sensitization of masses for the people of the region. They discussed the possibility of providing a platform for the North-Eastern Region and develop a robust mechanism for the same. Shri M.P. Bezbaruah chairs the committee, set up by the government to suggest measures to address concerns of people from the North-East.