Union Minister Lays Foundation Stone for NECTAR’s Permanent Campus in Shillong

Union Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, laid the foundation stone for the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) permanent campus at Mawdiangdiang, Shillong, on March 13, 2025. NECTAR, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, focuses on leveraging technology for the socio-economic development of the Northeast region. The Minister highlighted NECTAR’s achievements in saffron cultivation, drone technology, and STEM education, and emphasized its potential to make the Northeast the next saffron hub of India.

Key Highlights of the Event

About NECTAR

• Established in 2014 under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
• Works towards technology-driven socio-economic development in the Northeast region.
• Permanent campus foundation stone laid at Mawdiangdiang, Shillong.

Union Minister’s Announcements

• NECTAR’s Mission Saffron launched in 2021 to introduce saffron cultivation in the Northeast.
• STEM Education Lab in collaboration with IISER Pune and Smart Village Movement, empowering 100 schools with robotics, 3D printing, and electronics technology.
• Drone technology applications for flood vulnerability assessments in Morigaon, Dhubri, and Majuli districts.
• Beekeeping and Honey Mission for enhancing rural livelihoods.
• NECTAR to play a key role in “Atmanirbhar Northeast” and “Viksit Bharat”, aligning with PM Modi’s vision for equitable regional growth.

NECTAR’s Key Focus Areas

• Saffron Cultivation
• Drone Technology
• STEM Education
• Flood Risk Mitigation
• Beekeeping and Honey Mission
• Bamboo Innovation

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Union Minister Lays Foundation Stone for NECTAR’s Permanent Campus in Shillong
Location	Mawdiangdiang, Shillong
Union Minister	Dr. Jitendra Singh
Institute	North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR)
Department	Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India
Key Mission	Mission Saffron (2021)
STEM Education Collaboration	IISER Pune and Smart Village Movement
Focus Sectors	Saffron, Drone Technology, STEM Education, Flood Assessment, Beekeeping