Introduction
India’s North Eastern Region (NER) comprises eight states: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. The population of this region is over 45 million, which accounts for about 3.76% of India’s total population. The region covers 8% of India’s total land area and is endowed with natural resources such as oil and gas, and agro-horticultural resources, mineral deposits, and forest resources. It also has immense hydroelectric power potential.
North Eastern Region Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) Growth (values in US$ billion)
Source: ICAR – Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute
The gross state domestic product (GSDP) of NER increased at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9% from 2014–15 to 2018–19. India ranks 4th in the world in terms of tea exports, owing to NER. Over 50% of the tea produced in the country comes from NER. Thus, NER’s development is among the top priorities of the Indian government and to ensure that the government of India recently launched PM DevINE scheme for the development of NER.
What is the PM-DevINE Scheme?
The Finance Minister of India, Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman, announced Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East (PM-DevINE) scheme while presenting Budget 2022–23 on 01 February 2022. Under this scheme, the government will initially allocate Rs. 1,500 crore (US$ 195 million) towards the development of North East India. The scheme will be implemented by the North Eastern Council (NEC) of India. The scheme aims to:
The government has implemented this scheme (in addition to the existing central and state schemes) as part of its efforts towards improving living conditions in the northeastern states.
Projects Covered Under PM-DevINE Scheme
The government of India is highly focused on transport projects which are essential for the development of North-East India. A large portion of the funds are allocated for the construction of highways and rope-way systems and also a significant portion has been allocated towards healthcare. More funds will be allocated to the states on a need basis.
The PM-DevINE Scheme covers eight projects, with funds earmarked for each project. The list is given below.
Sr. No. |
Project Description |
Total Cost |
1 |
Establishment of dedicated services for the management of paediatric and adult Haemotolymphoid cancers in North-East India. |
Rs. 129 crores (US$ 16.7 million) |
2 |
NECTAR livelihood improvement project (multi-State) |
Rs. 67 crores (US$ 8.71 million) |
3 |
Promoting scientific organic agriculture in north-east India (Multi-State) |
Rs. 45 crores (US$ 5.85 million) |
4 |
Construction of Aizawl By-pass on Western Side |
Rs. 500 crores (US$ 65 million) |
5 |
Gap funding for passenger ropeway system for Pelling to Sanga-Choeling in West Sikkim |
Rs. 64 crores (US$ 8.32 million) |
6 |
Gap funding for eco-friendly ropeway (Cable Car) from Dhapper to Bhaleydhynga in South Sikkim |
Rs. 58 crores (US$ 7.54 million) |
7 |
Pilot project for the construction of Bamboo Link Road at different locations in various districts in the state of Mizoram |
Rs. 100 crores (US$ 13 million) |
8 |
Other projects |
Rs. 537 crores (US$ 69.8 million) |
Significance of PM-DevINE Scheme to North Eastern Region
The PM-DevINE scheme is considered a boon for North East India. Mr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, rightly stated that the PM-DevINE scheme is the first of its kind and that the government’s commitment towards the north-eastern states is being reflected in deeds and not simply in words. The scheme would provide the following benefits:
Other Government Initiatives for North Eastern Region
In addition to the PM-DevINE scheme, the Indian government has launched several initiatives which specifically cater to NER and general schemes that would benefit the whole of India. Some of these schemes are given below:
Outlook
NER is an important part of India. It accounts for over a third of India’s water resources and nearly 40% of the hydropower potential. The region has a vast fertile area and large untapped human capital. However, NER has fallen behind due to lack of investments, inadequate infrastructure, geographical isolation, inadequate utilisation of natural resources and so on. The government has implemented various schemes such as PM-DevINE focusing on the development of infrastructure (construction of roads, etc.) and improvement of healthcare and livelihood of people in the region. This would aid in the development of NER as a whole which, in turn, would drive growth in India.
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