The Indian government is taking big steps to improve infrastructure and connectivity in the North Eastern Region (NER). The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) is supporting state governments by funding various development projects under different schemes.
MDoNER is working through several programs to build better infrastructure, such as:
- North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS)
- Prime Minister's Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE)
- Special Development Packages and Schemes by the North Eastern Council (NEC)
These programs focus on improving roads, railways, telecom, air services, and electricity in the region. Important initiatives include building better roads, converting railways to broad gauge, improving internet and telecom services, and upgrading power systems.
In the last three years (2021-22 to 2023-24) and the current year (2024-25), the Ministry approved 90 projects under NESIDS, with a total cost of ₹3,417.68 crore. These projects are carried out by state governments, which also take the lead in monitoring their progress.
To ensure the projects are completed properly and on time, the Ministry has set up monitoring systems:
- Field Level Technical Support Units (FTSUs): These teams work in all eight northeastern states to regularly inspect projects.
- Project Quality Monitors (PQM) and Third-Party Inspectors: These agencies were recently hired to check the quality of work.
Apart from MDoNER, 54 other central ministries are required to spend 10% of their budgets on projects in the North East. This rule ensures more funds and attention for the region's development.
Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, the Union Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region, said the government is committed to improving infrastructure and connectivity in the North East. These efforts aim to bring growth and better opportunities to the people of the region.
With these projects and plans, the government hopes to make the North East a well-connected and developed part of the country. (PR)