IIM Shillong Partners With MoPSW

IIM Shillong hosted a conclave on ‘Connecting India’s North-East with the World’ graced by Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways as Chief Guest. 

An MoA was signed between IIM Shillong and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) to set up the First Gati Shakti Research Chair at IIM Shillong, which aims to discuss the multimodal logistics development strategy focused on connecting the North Eastern Region (NER) with wider national and international regions to fortify the local economy.

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Policy Research and Analysis at IIM Shillong hosted a Roundtable discussing Gati Shakti at the North Eastern Region (NER). The event focused on logistics development strategies for strengthening the economy in NER, including connecting the region to national and international regions through inland waterways. The panel discussed operationalising and implementing multimodal logistics development strategies and policies, aiming to seek a directive for implementing these policies. The meeting emphasised the need to align private players' and the government's visions with local realities and integrate the NER with economic growth centers and networks.

“Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, connectivity has become a key factor in positioning the Northeast as India's growth engine. Over the past eight years, numerous projects have been completed, enhancing connectivity through waterways, road, rail and air routes. India has the highest number of youths below 35, indicating a powerful nation. Students from institutions like IIMs have a responsibility to contribute to the nation. The North Eastern Region, with over 4,500 kilometers of international borders, holds significant strategic and economic importance, with the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers serving as vital transportation arteries”, Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said. 

“The need for a Master Plan for the entire NE Region of the logistics network to improve connectivity, reduce costs and facilitate seamless goods movement”, Atul Kulkarni, Member, BoG, said. 

“IIM Shillong, with a 15-year mission to promote knowledge generation and dissemination, has established the Gati Shakti Research Chair to lead transformative research endeavors, with a MoA aiming to impact the Northeast region and national scale significantly”, D P Goyal, Director, IIM Shillong, said.