In News:

Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) was announced as a new Central Sector scheme, with 100% Central funding in the Union Budget 2022-23 with initial outlay of Rs.1500 crore.

PM-DevINE Scheme:

• Launched in 2022 as a Central Sector scheme, with 100% Central funding.
• Initial outlay: Rs. 1500 crore in the Union Budget 2022-23.
• Total outlay: Rs. 6600 crore for the period from FY 2022-23 to FY 2025-2026, approved by the Union Cabinet on 12 October 2022.
• Objectives:
  • Fund infrastructure projects in the spirit of PM Gati Shakti.
  • Support social development projects tailored to the felt needs of the NER.
  • Enable livelihood opportunities for youth and women.
  • Address development gaps in various sectors.
• 35 projects worth Rs. 4857.11 crore have been sanctioned under the scheme up to 30 November 2024, including 7 projects from the Union Budget 2022-23.

Industrialization Initiatives:

• North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS):
  • Launched on 1 April 2017, ended on 31 March 2022.
  • Aimed at promoting industrialization in the NER.
• UNNATI Scheme:
  • Launched on 9 March 2024 for enhancing regional infrastructure and promoting industrial growth.
  • Provides specific incentives to industries, including:
    • Capital Investment Incentive.
    • Capital Interest Subvention.
    • Manufacturing & Services Linked Incentive.

Budgetary Allocation for NER Development:

• Non-exempt Union Ministries/Departments are mandated to allocate at least 10% of their annual Gross Budgetary Allocation towards NER development.
• Between 2019-20 and 2023-24, these Ministries/Departments have incurred Rs. 3,53,412 crore towards the development of NER.

Role of State Governments and Central Support:The Government of India supplements state efforts with various schemes to promote industrialization and infrastructure development in the NER.

The PM-DevINE scheme, along with initiatives like UNNATI and the allocation of substantial funds by the central government, aims to accelerate the holistic development of NER. These efforts focus on infrastructure, social development, and industrialization, with specific emphasis on youth and women empowerment, ensuring long-term growth and prosperity for the region.