The Union Budget on Tuesday unveiled the share for the fiscal year 2024-2025 for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) allocating a total of Rs5,900.00 crore. This represents a slight increase from the revised estimate of Rs5,892.00 crore for the previous fiscal year. The budget comprises Rs2,040.68 crore in revenue expenditure and Rs3,859.32 crore in capital expenditure reflecting a strategic focus on enhancing infrastructure and regional development in North East India.
Establishment expenditure
The establishment expenditure covers administrative and operational costs of the ministry. For the fiscal year 2024-2025, the secretariat is allocated Rs32.34 crore, a modest increase from Rs31.74 crore in 2023-2024. This allocation supports the ministry’s administrative functions and ensures efficient management of its activities.
Central sector schemes and projects
Schemes of North East Council (NEC): The budget for NEC schemes sees an increase to Rs820.00 crore from Rs800.00 crore in the previous fiscal year. This funding is crucial for the balanced development of the northeastern states, focusing on sectors such as bamboo, piggery, regional tourism, higher education and tertiary healthcare. The allocation also covers committed liabilities for ongoing projects under NEC schemes.
North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS): The NESIDS budget remains substantial at Rs2,491.00 crore. This scheme, approved by the Cabinet in January 2023, aims to boost infrastructure development in water supply, power, connectivity and social sectors including primary and secondary education and health. A provision of Rs53.62 crore has been made for the Earth Observation and Navigation Satellite Mission under NESIDS.
North East road projects: The budget for road projects, including the Project Management Unit and various development schemes, remains consistent at rs28.56 crore. This funding supports road construction and maintenance, which are vital for enhancing regional connectivity.
Special development packages
Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC): The allocation for BTC has been increased to Rs174.66 crores, up from previous levels, reflecting a strong commitment to funding infrastructure and development projects in the region.
Karbi Anglong Autonomous Territorial Council (KAATC): The budget for KAATC is set at Rs50.00 crore, demonstrating continued support for regional development and infrastructure projects.
Dima Hasao Territorial Council (DHATC): The allocation for DHATC remains steady at Rs60.00 crore aimed at supporting infrastructure and development initiatives in the area.
Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE)
The PM-DevINE scheme continues with an allocation of Rs2,200.00 crore. This initiative, implemented through the North-Eastern Council and various Central administrative ministries focusses on infrastructure and social development projects. It aligns with the PM GatiShakti framework, aiming to address regional needs and support livelihood activities for youth and women.
Public sector undertakings
North East Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC): The allocation is reduced to Rs7.67 crore from Rs9.67 crores, reflecting a reallocation of resources.
North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Ltd (NEHHDC): The budget remains at Rs2.00 crore supporting the promotion and development of regional handicrafts and handlooms.
Investment in public enterprises
North East Enterprise Development Scheme (NEEDS): The allocation for NEEDS is significantly increased to Rs70.00 crore. This scheme supports eco-friendly industrial infrastructure and agro-horticulture projects, aiming to catalyse economic development in the region.
The DoNER budget for 2024-2025 highlights a strategic emphasis on infrastructure development regional equity and socio-economic upliftment. The increased allocations to key programmes and special development packages reflect the government’s commitment to addressing the unique challenges of India’s northeastern states. By focussing on infrastructure, connectivity and regional development, the budget aims to foster sustainable growth and enhance the quality of life across the region.
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Union Budget: DoNER gets modest Rs8 cr hike to Rs5,900 cr, up from Rs5,892 cr last fiscal
