Union Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the pivotal role of the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) in advancing drone technology and flood vulnerability assessments using GIS and remote sensing. These efforts have been instrumental in mitigating risks in Morigaon, Dhubri, and Majuli districts.
Dr. Singh also lauded the establishment of the STEM Education Lab in Shillong, developed in collaboration with IISER Pune and Smart Village Movement. The lab aims to empower students from 100 schools with cutting-edge technology, including electronics, robotics, and 3D printing.
During his visit, the Minister laid the foundation stone for NECTAR’s permanent campus at Mawdiangdiang, Shillong. NECTAR, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, is dedicated to leveraging technology for the socio-economic development of the North East Region.
Dr. Singh visited NECTAR stalls at IIM Shillong and participated in the ceremonial lighting of the lamp alongside dignitaries and state government officials. The event featured a welcome address and a presentation by Dr. Arun Kumar Sarma, Director General of NECTAR.
Expressing his enthusiasm for NECTAR’s permanent campus and State Technology Demonstration Centre, Dr. Singh called it a “landmark moment” in the institution’s journey. He recalled that NECTAR was established in 2014, the first year of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, and has since expanded its reach across all eight Northeastern states.
“NECTAR has grown from infancy under the patronage of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Today, with its own premises, this institution is setting a new benchmark in the transformation of the Northeast,” he stated.
Commending NECTAR’s initiatives, he highlighted Mission Saffron, launched in 2021, which is pioneering saffron cultivation in the Northeast. “Last year, we secured the GI tag for Jammu and Kashmir saffron. Now, the Northeast has the potential to emerge as India’s next saffron hub,” he remarked.
Discussing NECTAR’s impact on beekeeping and honey production, Dr. Singh emphasized its diverse contributions. “From bamboo to beekeeping, NECTAR is diversifying its impact across sectors,” he said.
Encouraging NECTAR to carve a distinct identity, he urged the institute to focus on specific sectors and maximize its human, academic, and natural resources. He called on NECTAR to be a driving force for “Atmanirbhar Northeast” and Viksit Bharat, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the region’s equitable growth.
The event saw the participation of officials from DST, NECTAR, and key stakeholders from various state and central government organizations.