Article:
The Union Cabinet recently approved a new initiative, called the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE). Announced in the Union Budget 2022-23, this scheme aims to address developmental gaps in the region. India’s North East is of significant strategic, cultural, economic, and ecological importance to the country. However, it faces several challenges including isolation from the rest of India, lack of efficient infrastructure, a slow pace of industrial growth, territorial conflicts, and political issues. Various infrastructure projects are underway to overcome these hurdles.
Understanding the PM-DevINE Scheme
The PM-DevINE Scheme is a Central Sector Scheme that is funded fully by the Central government. With an outlay of Rs. 6,600 crore, the scheme is expected to be implemented during the remaining four years of the 15th Finance Commission, spanning from 2022-23 to 2025-26. This scheme is over and above the resources dedicated to the development of the NE region and shall fill the developmental gaps without replacing any existing central or state schemes.
The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region will implement the scheme with the aid of the North Eastern Council and other Central agencies. The objectives of the PM-DevINE scheme are to fund infrastructure in alignment with the PM Gati Shakti initiative, support social development projects addressing the needs of the NER, enable livelihood activities for youth and women, and fill developmental gaps across various sectors.
The Importance of North East India
North-Eastern India holds immense strategic value as it serves as the gateway to South-East Asia, specifically Myanmar. Culturally, the region is one of the world’s most diverse areas, housing over 200 tribes. In terms of economic importance, the region is rich in natural resources like tea, oil, and timber, and has a potential hydroelectric power reserve of 50,000 MW. It is also ecologically significant, being part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, boasting one of the highest avian and plant biodiversity in the Indian subcontinent.
Challenges Concerning North-East India
Despite its importance, North-East India faces numerous challenges. Geographically isolated from the rest of India, underdeveloped transport links further accentuate this isolation. Lack of robust infrastructure, both physical and social, impacts human development and economic growth in the region, contributing to its economic backwardness. Industrial growth remains slow, and the region is plagued by internal and international territorial disputes. Instances of insurgency fuelled by political, economic, and social factors add to the region’s challenges.
Infrastructure Projects Underway in the North East
To overcome these challenges, several infrastructure projects are currently in progress in the region. These include efforts to improve road, rail, and air connectivity, with 4,000km of upcoming roads, 20 railway projects covering 2,011km, and 15 air connectivity projects. Waterway connectivity is also being enhanced through National Waterways on the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Barak rivers. The Eastern Waterways Connectivity Transport Grid aims to connect the north-east with the rest of India via 5,000 km of navigable waterways. Additionally, the North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project (NERPSIP) is expected to bolster the region’s economic development through improvements in transmission and distribution systems.
Economic Development: Looking Forward
Investing in infrastructure can generate employment opportunities, which could play a significant role in mitigating secessionist movements in the North-East region. As the North East is surrounded by national and international borders, initiatives for infrastructure development on a national and international scale are seen as effective solutions to facilitate inclusive development in this part of the country. The PM-DevINE Scheme is one such initiative that exemplifies this approach.
