Meghalaya and Manipur Governor V Shanmuganathan today likened Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Brahmaputra river saying both are "taking care of the needs" of people in the northeast region.
"Like the Brahmaputra that flows all the way from the Himalayas and then into the northeast from Arunachal Pradesh and Assam benefitting the entire region in its course, so is Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government looking after the needs of people," he said inaugurating a programme here.
"Our Prime Minister is giving maximum thrust on development of the northeast through the Act East Policy of the Centre," he said.
The region draws maximum attention from the Centre and various schemes and programmes aimed at enhancing the livelihood of the people are launched and brought to the states with a "broad mind", the Governor said.
"If the northeast is not developed the country cannot develop," he said.
All the northeast states would benefit from government schemes, Shanmuganathan said, adding, "Golden Era should come to the region."
People should play their role in ensuring growth and development of the region by taking advantage of the various schemes.
On the economic status of farmers in the state, Shanmuganathan said as 60 per cent of the people in the state depend on agriculture it is important for the farming communities to avail government benefits.
Referring to condition of women in Meghalaya, he said infant mortality rate poses a challenge to the government and there are various schemes which could help ease the problem.
"It's up to the people to take advantage of the schemes," the Governor added.
