Minister for Development of North Eastern Region, Tourism and Culture, G Kishan Reddy unveiled India’s first 5G training labs and 5G applications in the healthcare sector. This transformation initiative covers all the eight northeastern states and is centrally funded by the North Eastern Council (NEC), implemented by the Assam Electronic Development Corporation (AMTRON), a PSU of the Government of Assam. With.
The launch event was attended by various dignitaries including State Minister BL Verma, AMTRON Chairman Ramendra Narayan Kalita, Secretary DoNER Chanchal Kumar, and Secretary NEC Musa Chalai. Minister Kishan Reddy emphasized the monumental importance of this ambitious effort to establish a vibrant 5G digital ecosystem in the Northeast region.
He emphasized how this technological leap will open vast opportunities for growth and contribute substantially to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Additionally, he said the fast-growing 5G market, which is set to expand further in the future, will enable the North. Eastern states should harness this potential and improve public service delivery.
Appreciating the initiative, State Minister BL Verma said that the introduction of 5G, along with technological advancement, marks a clear step forward in the development of Ashtlakshmi states in this digital era. He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is fast emerging as a global contender in advanced technology, and the northeastern states can play an important role in this endeavour.
Expressing his happiness, Minister Kishan Reddy lauded NEC and AMTRON for setting up India’s first 5G labs in all eight northeastern states, as per the announcements made in the Finance Minister’s 2023-24 Budget speech. He stressed that these labs will not only bridge the digital divide but also empower the youth with the skills needed for the information age, thereby promoting the growth of the knowledge economy in the Northeast.
Emphasizing the fundamental importance of 5G in healthcare, the minister highlighted its potential to provide last-mile access to high-quality healthcare services and reduce medical costs for the common man. He reiterated that 5G can be instrumental in fulfilling the Prime Minister’s ‘Antodia’ vision.
Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Ashta Aadhaar” for the North-East journey at Amrit Kaal during NEC’s Golden Jubilee celebrations last year, Kishan Reddy pointed out that 5G connectivity was one of the pillars of that vision. , and today, India takes a significant step closer to its fulfillment.
Minister G Kishan Reddy concluded by reiterating the government’s unwavering commitment to establish the Northeast as India’s new growth engine, with 5% growth in connectivity and infrastructure development in the region over the past nine-and-a-half years. More than lakhs of crores have been invested.
First Published: 30 Sep 2023, 07:57 IST