Table of Contents
Context: For the PM-DevINE scheme, only about 13% of the budget has received approval to date.
About PM-DevINE Scheme
Important Facts about PM-DevINE Scheme | |
PM-DevINE Scheme Full Form | Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE) |
Launched in | 2022-23 Union Budget and received Cabinet approval on October 12, 2022. |
Funding and Nodal Ministry | It is entirely funded by the Central Government and is overseen by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER). |
Aim | To enhance infrastructure in alignment with PM GatiShakti, as well as to back social development projects, with a focus on empowering youth and women in the North-East Region (NER). |
Project implementation | It is conducted on a state-wise basis, with a list of approved projects for the financial year 2022-23, each tailored to the specific needs of individual states. |
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PM-DevINE Scheme Objectives
The time frame decided for PM-DevINE scheme projects is 2023-24 for sanction and 2025-26 for completion. The primary objectives of PM-DevINE are:
- Fund infrastructure convergently, in the spirit of PM Gati Shakti: Allocate resources to develop cohesive and integrated infrastructure projects.
- Support social development projects based on felt needs of the NER: Address social development needs in the North Eastern Region as identified by the local communities.
- Enable livelihood activities for youth and women: Promote economic activities and job creation, especially for the youth and women in the region.
- Fill the development gaps in various sectors: Target sectors with identified gaps and work towards their comprehensive development.
PM-DevINE Scheme: Projects Supported
Under PM-DevINE, projects should have a cost ranging from a minimum of Rs. 20 crore to a maximum of Rs. 500 crore, utilizing the latest Schedule of Rates (SOR) of the relevant central line department/State Government for cost estimation. Certain project types/components are ineligible, including those providing long-term individual benefits or “Direct Benefit Transfer” elements. Additionally, projects already funded or planned by relevant line Ministries, land/site acquisition, staff expenses, administrative buildings, and sectors covered by other MDoNER schemes or specified in the Negative List are excluded.
Project Selection at MDoNER
Upon receiving project proposals or concept notes, the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) expeditiously shares them with concerned Central line Ministries/Departments, NITI Aayog, and IFD MDoNER (where applicable) for preliminary comments, to be received within 2 weeks. Preliminary comments focus on key aspects such as funding under existing schemes, technology options, cost norms, convergence considerations for DPR (Detailed Project Report) preparation, and a general project recommendation for inclusion in PM-DevINE.
PM-DevINE Scheme Budget Allocation
The Union Budget 2022-23 allocated an initial sum of Rs. 1,500 crore to the scheme. Covering the 4-year span from 2022-23 to 2025-26, which aligns with the remaining duration of the 15th Finance Commission period, the scheme boasts a comprehensive outlay of Rs. 6,600 crore. A detailed list of projects approved for the fiscal year 2022-23 has been provided, specifying state-wise and project-wise details. Each project has been meticulously designed to meet the unique needs of the respective states, ensuring tailored solutions for regional development.
North Eastern State-Wise and Project-Wise List of Projects
Sl. | Name of the Project | Project Location(s)/ State | Implementing Agency / Department | Approved Cost (in Rs Crore) |
1 | Establishment of Dedicated Services for the Management of Paediatric and Adult Haematolymphoid Cancers in North East India, Guwahati | Guwahati – Multi-State | Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute, Guwahati, D/o Atomic Energy | 129 |
2 | NECTAR Livelihood Improvement Project (Multi-State) – Utilization of Banana Pseudo Stem for Value-Added Products | 12 locations in 7 States: Arunachal Pradesh(1), Assam(4), Manipur(1), Meghalaya(1), Mizoram(1), Nagaland(2), Tripura(2) | North-East Centre for Technology Application & Research (NECTAR), D/o Science & Technology | 67 |
3 | Promoting Scientific Organic Agriculture in North-East India (Multi-State) | Demo Labs in Meghalaya, Assam and Tripura | North-East Centre for Technology Application & Research (NECTAR), D/o Science & Technology | 45 |
4 | Gap funding for Passenger Ropeway System from Pelling to Sanga-Choeling in West Sikkim – at the cost of Rs. 63.39 Crore (58%) of total cost of Rs.108.39 Crore | West Sikkim-Sikkim | Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Govt. of Sikkim | 64 |
5 | Gap funding for Eco-friendly Passenger Ropeway (Cable Car) from Dhapper to Bhaleydunga in South Sikkim – at the cost of Rs. 57.82 Crore (28%) of total cost of Rs. 209.57 Crore | South Sikkim-Sikkim | Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Govt. of Sikkim | 58 |
6 | Construction of Aizwal By-pass road on Western Side | 45 km from NH-108 at Sinhmui to Aizwal–Lunglei Road, Mizoram | Public Works Department, Govt. of Mizoram | 500 |
7 | Pilot project for the construction of Bamboo Link Roads at different locations in various districts in the State of Mizoram – (i) Tuirial Airfield to North Chaltlang (18 km) at a cost of Rs. 33.58 Crore; and (ii) Lengpui to Saiphal Bamboo Plantation (41 km) at a cost of Rs. 66.42 crore | Tuirial Airfield to North Chaltlang; and Lengpui to Saiphal, Mizoram | Public Works Department, Govt. of Mizoram | 100 |
8 | Construction of new four-lane road and conversion of existing two-lane road into four-lane with cycling tracks, utility ducts, footpaths, etc. at New Shillong Township | New Shillong, Meghalaya | Directorate of Urban Affairs, Govt. of Meghalaya | 146.79 |
9 | Transformation of 20 schools as Centre of Excellence in the Kamrup District | Kamrup District, Assam | Public Works Department, Govt. of Assam | 132.86 |
10 | Establishment of Solar Micro Grid for supply of reliable power to Remote Habitations in Tripura | 274 Remote hamlets across Tripura State | TREDA, Department of Power, Govt. of Tripura | 80.79 |
11 | Livelihood projects relating to Special Development of Eastern Nagaland – (22 Nos.) | 4 Districts of Nagaland | Department of Under Developed Areas (DUDA), Govt. of Nagaland | 180 |
PM-DevINE Scheme Benefits
- Infrastructure Boost: PM-DevINE focuses on funding convergent infrastructure projects for integrated development in the North Eastern Region.
- Industry Support: The scheme provides crucial support for industries, fostering economic growth and job creation.
- Social Development: Addressing felt needs, PM-DevINE initiates social development projects to uplift communities.
- Livelihood Empowerment: Special emphasis on creating livelihood opportunities for youth and women, contributing to inclusive growth.
- Employment Generation: Through infrastructure and industry support, the scheme aims to generate substantial employment in the region.
- Targeted Development: PM-DevINE identifies and addresses specific gaps in various sectors for more balanced development.
- Financial Commitment: With an initial allocation of Rs. 1,500 crore and an overall outlay of Rs. 6,600 crore, the scheme ensures substantial financial backing.
- State-specific Projects: Projects are approved on a state-wise basis, tailored to address the unique needs of each state in the North Eastern Region.
- Avoiding Duplication: Excludes projects already funded elsewhere to optimize resource allocation and prevent duplication.
- Transparent Selection: The scheme follows a transparent project selection process involving multiple authorities for rigorous evaluation and inclusion.
PM-DevINE Scheme UPSC
The PM-DevINE Scheme demonstrates a positive commitment to addressing developmental gaps in the North Eastern Region through infrastructure, industry, and social projects. With a substantial financial allocation of Rs. 6,600 crore over four years, it aims to generate employment, empower marginalized groups, and bridge sectoral disparities. The state-specific project approach ensures tailored solutions, promoting regional inclusivity. However, a critical analysis requires monitoring for efficient fund utilization, effective project implementation, and the scheme’s long-term sustainability. Regular assessments of outcomes and adaptability to evolving regional needs are crucial for ensuring lasting positive impacts in the North Eastern Region.