Rs 1,500cr scheme for developmental projects in Northeast

The Union Budget has proposed a new scheme to fund infrastructure and social development projects in Northeast India with an initial allocation of Rs 1,500 crore to fill vital gaps in infrastructure development and generate livelihood activities for youth and women.

“A new scheme, Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for Northeast, PM-Devine, will be implemented through the North-Eastern Council,” finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in her budget speech on Tuesday. “It will fund infrastructure, in the spirit of PM Gati Shakti, and social development projects based on felt needs of the Northeast. This will enable livelihood activities for youth and women, filling the gaps in various sectors.”

PM Devine will not be a substitute for existing central or state schemes, she said. “While the central ministries may also pose their candidate projects, priority will be given to those posed by the states.”


Industry in the region has welcomed the initiative. “Northeast states have unique challenges and therefore it is encouraging to have a NE-specific scheme for the development of the region,” said Mahendra Agarwal, chairman of Assocham Northeast. “We support this move.”

The initial list of projects under the scheme include construction of Aizawl bypass on western side for Rs 500 crore, establishment of dedicated services for the management of paediatric and adult haematolymphoid cancers in Northeast India, Guwahati (multi-state) with an allocation of Rs 129 crore, Nectar livelihood improvement project (multi-state) with Rs 67 crore, promoting scientific organic agriculture in Northeast India (multi-state) at Rs 45 crore, and pilot project for construction of bamboo link road at different locations in various districts in Mizoram at Rs 100 crore.

Gap funding for eco-friendly ropeway (cable car) systems from Dhapper to Bhaleydhunga in South Sikkim at Rs 58 crore and from Pelling to Sanga-Choeling in West Sikkim at Rs 64 crore also come under the scheme. It has earmarked Rs 537 crore for projects to be identified.