NORTHEAST-SPECIFIC SCHEME (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 - Govt. Policies & Interventions)

Context:  The Centre has begun fast-tracking project approvals for Northeast-specific schemes after the chief ministers there complained of a slowdown, triggering top-level reviews as first reported by ET on August 14.

• The Ministry of Development of North East Regions (DONER) has finally issued the much awaited guidelines for all major funding schemes the flagship PM’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-Devine), North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) and and for the North Eastern Council (NEC).

Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE)

• About: It is a new scheme for the Northeastern states which was announced in the Union Budget. 
• Objectives:
• Fund infrastructure convergently, in the spirit of PM GatiShakti.
• Support social development projects based on felt needs of the NER.
• Enable livelihood activities for youth and women.
• Fill the development gaps in various sectors.

• Implementation: PM-DevINE will be implemented by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), through the North Eastern Council or central ministries and agencies.

• Time constraints: Efforts will be made to complete the PM-DevINE projects by 2025-26 so that there are no committed liabilities beyond this year.

• Significance: The parameters of N-E states in respect of Basic Minimum Services (BMS) are well below the national average and there are critical development gaps as per the NER District Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index 2021-22 prepared by NITI Aayog, UNDP and MDoNER.

North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS)

• About: The NESIDS was sanctioned by the Government of India to focus on projects relating to infrastructure creation concerning water supply, power and connectivity, and thereby enhancing tourism.
• Nodal Ministry: NESIDS is being implemented by the Union Ministry of Development of the North-East Region (MoDoNER).
• Funding: NESIDS is a central sector scheme with 100% financial assistance from the Union Government.
• Financial Assistance and Focus Areas: NESIDS is a central sector scheme (100% funding by central government). Under NESIDS, financial assistance is provided:
• To enhance tourism through physical infrastructure projects relating to water supply, power and connectivity; and
• To upgrade social infrastructure for primary and secondary education and health.

• Key Benefits:

• The assets to be created under the new scheme of NESIDS will strengthen health care and education facilities in the region
• NESIDS will also encourage tourism thereby employment opportunities for local youth.
• The scheme will act as a catalyst in the overall development of the region in the years to come.