The Ashtalakshmi Growth Model for North-East India

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The Press Information Bureau released a detailed backgrounder titled Ashtalakshmi - The North-East at the Heart of India’s Growth Story to highlight the rapid progress of the region.
This report reviews the major transformation and development milestones achieved across the north-eastern states over the past twelve years.

In Indian culture, Goddess Lakshmi represents eight different forms of happiness, health, and financial success.
Following this idea, the Ashtalakshmi model combines the unique cultural diversity, rich biodiversity, and strategic border location of the eight North-Eastern states.
The eight states included in this growth model are Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim.

The central government has approved over 3,700 projects to ensure regular financial support for building infrastructure and improving social services.
The PM-DevINE scheme provides money for high-impact projects in connectivity and livelihood sectors to fill existing regional development gaps.
Higher allocations in successive railway budgets have speeded up network expansion, modernization, and connection in remote northeastern areas.
The rapid laying of broad-gauge railway tracks has successfully connected previously isolated states to the main national railway network.
Dedicated funding for renewable energy training has produced skilled workers for solar and green energy sectors across the Northeast.

States such as Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram have achieved universal rural tap-water access to improve local health and living standards.
Massive construction of rural toilets has helped the entire region achieve Open Defecation Free status and better public sanitation.
The completion of PMAY housing projects has greatly improved housing security and living conditions for families in rural and urban areas.
The expansion of Ayushman Bharat health insurance has widened medical access and reduced out-of-pocket medical expenses for residents.
New mobile towers and BharatNet internet services have reduced digital isolation and improved access to banking and education.

Rising fish production has strengthened rural livelihoods, with Assam successfully emerging as the fisheries hub of the region.
Large reserves of agarwood provide major export and income opportunities, especially for states like Tripura.
Direct income support through PM-KISAN has financially assisted millions of farmers, including a large share of women beneficiaries.
Organic farming programs under MOVCD-NER have promoted sustainable agriculture, strengthened farmer producer organizations, and boosted farmer incomes.

The region has built permanent high-capacity engineering structures to overcome difficult mountain barriers and fast-flowing rivers.
Key engineering achievements include the combined road-rail Bogibeel Bridge completed in 2018 and the Dhola-Sadiya Bridge built in 2017 for heavy military use.
The high-altitude Sela Tunnel, built at 13,000 feet in 2024, provides all-weather connectivity across difficult mountain terrain.
Five northeastern states have achieved 100% electrification of their railway lines, moving away from old diesel engines.
The number of operational commercial airports in the region grew by 78%, increasing from 9 airports in 2014 to 17 airports in 2026 under the UDAN scheme.
Active National Waterways in the region increased from just 1 in 2014 to 20 by 2024 by utilizing the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers.
Large renewable energy projects have gained speed, led by the 2,880 MW Dibang Multipurpose Hydropower Project and the 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project.

Laying heavy railway tracks and building tunnels across landslide-prone mountain zones requires complex geotechnical engineering.
Bad weather and high-altitude transport routes often disrupt local supply chains and increase the retail prices of goods.
Frontline state agencies sometimes show uneven operational efficiency when executing complex centrally funded projects.
The region harvests many raw materials like bamboo and organic spices, but it lacks enough local processing units to maximize commercial profits.

The government must quickly finish the 141-metre-tall Noney Bridge in Manipur along the Jiribam to Imphal line, which will be the world's tallest railway pier bridge.
Authorities need to speed up cross-border land routes like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project.
Parts of the enhanced ₹8.69 lakh crore JJM 2.0 framework and solar pumps should be used to supply clean water and power to off-grid villages.
The region must leverage its 89 GI-registered assets by building solar-powered cold storages and expanding exports through the Krishi UDAN scheme.