The Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) is a Central Sector Scheme completely funded by the Central Government. It was announced in the Union Budget 2022–23 and subsequently approved by the Union Cabinet in October 2022. The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) through the North Eastern Council (NEC) or Central Ministries and agencies.
Key Objectives and Quantum of Funding
The scheme was introduced with a total outlay of ₹6,600 crore for a four-year period from FY 2022–23 to FY 2025–26, aligning with the remaining period of the 15th Finance Commission cycle.
Core Objectives
- Fund Infrastructure Holistically: Grant funding for infrastructure development in the spirit of PM GatiShakti.
- Support Social Development: Support social development projects based on the felt needs of the North Eastern Region (NER).
- Empower Youth and Women: Enable livelihood activities dedicated specifically toward youth and women.
- Fill Institutional Gaps: Plug developmental gaps across various socio-economic sectors without duplicating existing schemes.
Key Architectural Facts for UPSC Prelims
| Feature | Details |
| Scheme Type | Central Sector Scheme (100% Central Funding) |
| Implementing Ministry | Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) |
| Executing Agencies | North Eastern Council (NEC), Central Ministries, or specialized Central agencies |
| Timeframe | FY 2022–23 to FY 2025–26 (15th Finance Commission Cycle) |
| Geographic Coverage | All Eight North Eastern States (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura) |
Sectoral Focus and Project Selection Criteria
PM-DevINE prioritizes large, impactful projects rather than small, isolated allocations to maximize structural transformation.
Project Size Thresholds
To ensure high-impact asset creation, the minimum cost for an individual project under PM-DevINE is generally capped at ₹20 crore. Smaller projects are directed to other regional development programs.
Linkage with PM GatiShakti
The infrastructure components under PM-DevINE must align with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan. This ensures digital, unified planning for multi-modal connectivity, reducing logistics bottlenecks across the rugged terrain of the North East.
Non-Duplication Rule
PM-DevINE funds cannot be utilized for projects that are already covered under the Union Government’s regular lines of funding or specific sector-based CSS (Centrally Sponsored Schemes). A declaration of non-duplication is mandatory before project sanction.
Strategic Imperatives for the North Eastern Region
Connectivity and Border Security
Development under PM-DevINE serves a geopolitical purpose by stabilizing border infrastructure, preventing rural depopulation in remote frontier blocks, and reinforcing India’s “Act East Policy” through enhanced economic integration with ASEAN nations.
Human Capital Optimization
The region faces high drop-out rates and limited industrial employment. PM-DevINE focuses on setting up dedicated livelihood centers, state-of-the-art skill development institutions, and promoting traditional sectors like bamboo, handlooms, and organic farming.
Notable Projects and Interventions
Pediatric Cancer Care Facilities
Funding has been directed toward expanding specialized oncology infrastructure in the NER, reducing the financial burden on families who otherwise travel to metropolitan cities for advanced cancer treatments.
Eco-Tourism Infrastructure
Development of dedicated ropeway projects and homestay ecosystems in states like Sikkim and Mizoram to leverage the ecological capital of the region without disrupting local tribal community systems.
Distinctions from Other NER Schemes
PM-DevINE vs. NLCPR (Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources)
The NLCPR accrued unspent developmental funds from various Union Ministries (which are mandated to spend 10% of their budget in the NER). PM-DevINE operates via a distinct, direct budgetary allocation from the Central Government, bypassing the older accrual mechanisms.
PM-DevINE vs. NESIDS (North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme)
While NESIDS focuses specifically on water supply, power, connectivity, and primary health infrastructure, PM-DevINE expands its ambit to include dedicated social development indicators, youth livelihood creation, and direct alignment with the GatiShakti multi-modal parameters.
Last Modified: June 13, 2026