New Delhi – In a significant move to accelerate the development of Northeast India, the Centre has increased its funding for the region’s development projects by 74.4%, bringing the total expenditure to ₹3,447.71 crore in the fiscal year 2024-25. This marks over a 200% growth over the past three years, underscoring the government’s intensified focus on the region’s progress.
Strategic Initiatives and Institutional Reforms
Under the leadership of Union Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) has implemented several strategic initiatives.
These include the establishment of Chief Minister-led sectoral high-level task forces across eight sectors, promoting inter-state collaboration and regional integration. Additionally, the Inter-Ministerial Facilitation Mechanism has been accelerated to expedite approvals for major infrastructure projects.
Infrastructure and Connectivity Enhancements
The government’s efforts to enhance connectivity in the Northeast are evident in the development of 17 airports across eight states, with plans to connect rail networks in all states by 2029. These initiatives aim to bolster economic activities and improve accessibility in the region.
Economic Diversification and Rural Empowerment
A key focus has been on diversifying the Northeast’s economy through industry-led agri-horticulture value chain development. This approach is creating job opportunities, strengthening exports, and fostering rural entrepreneurship, thereby contributing to the region’s sustainable economic growth.
