Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Minister of State for Education and Development of the North East Region, visited Guwahati today, unveiling significant educational and research initiatives that promise to bolster Assam’s growth.
Launch of Central Animal and In Vitro Drug Testing Facilities at NIPER
At the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) in Guwahati, the first pharmaceutical institution in Northeast India, Dr. Majumdar inaugurated the Central Animal and In Vitro Drug Testing Facilities. Sponsored by the North Eastern Council (NEC) under the Ministry of DoNER, this project is part of the Science & Technology Intervention in North Eastern Region (STINER) program and represents an investment of ₹20 crore. These new facilities will advance research on indigenous herbal medicines.
Dr. Majumdar praised the initiative, stating, “This development aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to turn Northeast India into a center of innovation and progress.”
Key Goals of the Facility:
- Establish an Animal House for drug discovery.
- Test the efficacy and safety of traditional medicines.
- Build a breeding facility for Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) animals.
- Provide skill development opportunities for students.
As part of his visit, Dr. Majumdar also participated in the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, which targets the planting of 80 crore trees by September 2024 and 140 crore by March 2025, emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability.
Review Meeting at IIT Guwahati: Strengthening Higher Education
At IIT Guwahati, Dr. Majumdar chaired a meeting to evaluate the status of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in Assam and the broader Northeast region. The discussion focused on enhancing the quality of education and infrastructure to empower young people and drive regional development.
Inauguration of Centre for Brahmaputra Studies at Gauhati University
Later in the day, Dr. Majumdar inaugurated the Centre for Brahmaputra Studies at Gauhati University. This center will focus on sustainable development and research concerning the Brahmaputra River, which supports millions of people in the region.
Dr. Majumdar highlighted the importance of the center, saying, “This initiative reflects our government’s commitment to sustainable and innovative development in the North East.”
Key Features of the Centre for Brahmaputra Studies:
- Conducting multidisciplinary research on the Brahmaputra’s ecosystem.
- Creating a data repository for informed policymaking.
- Collaborating with national and international institutions to tackle challenges such as floods and erosion.
- Promoting capacity building through training and awareness programs.
With a funding of ₹28 crore from the NEC, the Centre aims to become a globally recognized institution addressing critical challenges associated with the Brahmaputra River.
Dr. Majumdar concluded by reiterating that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the Ministry of DoNER is committed to transforming Northeast India into a knowledge and development hub, contributing to the overall progress of the country.
