Cabinet approves new development scheme for the Northeast

The Cabinet on Wednesday approved a new scheme named Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for the North East Region (PM-DevINE) for the remaining four years of the 15th Finance Commission from 2022-23 to 2025-26.

The PM-DevINE scheme will have an outlay of Rs 6,600 crore for the four-year period from 2022-23 to 2025-26 (remaining years of the 15th Finance Commission period).

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the new scheme, which is a central sector scheme with 100 per cent central funding. It will be implemented by the ministry of development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER).

An official statement said all efforts would be made to complete the PM-DevINE projects by 2025-26 so that there are no committed liabilities beyond this year. This implies front-loading of the sanctions under the scheme in 2022-23 and 2023-24 primarily. While spending would continue in 2024-25 and 2025-26, priority would be given to completing the sanctioned PM-DevINE projects.

PM-DevINE would lead to the creation of infrastructure, supporting industries, social development projects, and creating livelihood activities for youth and women, thus leading to employment generation. The scheme will be implemented by the ministry of DoNER through the North Eastern Council or central ministries/agencies.

Measures will be taken to ensure adequate operation and maintenance of the projects sanctioned under PM-DevINE so that they are sustainable.