The Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region recently provided updates on the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE). This Central Sector scheme, introduced during the Union Budget 2022-23 and approved by the Cabinet on October 12, 2022, is wholly funded by the Centre, ensuring direct resource allocation to development initiatives. It is implemented by the Ministry of Development of the North-East Region.
Main Objectives of the PM-DevINE
PM-DevINE aims to achieve three major objectives:
1. Infrastructure Development: In alignment with PM GatiShakti, PM-DevINE funds infrastructure projects to ensure seamless connectivity and accessibility across the North Eastern Region (NER).
2. Supporting Social Development Projects: The scheme recognizes the unique needs and challenges of the NER and supports social development projects that address critical issues and improve overall quality of life.
3. Empowering Youth and Women: By creating livelihood opportunities specifically for the region’s youth and women, PM-DevINE fosters their active participation in NER’s development and progress.
Budgetary Allocation for PM-DevINE
The PM-DevINE received an initial allocation of Rs. 1500 crore in the Union Budget 2022-23. Over the four-year period from 2022-23 to 2025-26, coinciding with the remaining years of the 15th Finance Commission period, the scheme has an overall outlay of Rs. 6,600 crore. A state-wise, project-wise list of approved projects for FY 2022-23 has been released, with each project tailored to meet the specific needs of the respective states.
Other Initiatives for Development in the North-East Region
The development of the North-East Region is not limited to PM-DevINE. Various other initiatives have also been introduced, including:
1. North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS)
2. North Eastern Council (NEC)
3. North East Road Sector Development Scheme
4. Connectivity Projects such as the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project (Myanmar) and Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Corridor.
5. Bharatmala Pariyojana, which plans to improve 5,301km of road stretches in NER
6. Regional Connectivity Scheme – Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik (RCS-UDAN), which aims to make flying more affordable, with the North East as a priority area.
Addressing Security Challenges in the North-East Region
Apart from developmental challenges, the policing of the border in North-East India faces several security obstacles, including cross-border movement of insurgents, especially across the India-Myanmar border. Various measures to counter these challenges, such as robust border security mechanisms, intelligence sharing, and fostering better relations with neighboring countries, are necessary to ensure overall peace and security in the region.
