GUWAHATI: The Central Government's fully funded PM-DevINE scheme, introduced in the 2022-23 Union Budget, aims to bolster infrastructure and social projects in the Northeast region. This initiative not only focuses on bridging sectoral gaps but also generates livelihood opportunities for youth and women. The Union Cabinet approved the scheme on October 12, 2022.
The ambit of 'PM-DevINE' encompasses all eight North Eastern Indian states: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) will spearhead project selection, approval, and monitoring in collaboration with State Governments, the North Eastern Council (NEC), and relevant Central Ministries.
Implementation will be executed through NEC or Central Ministries/agencies. The guidelines provide a roadmap, encompassing project identification, selection, preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), sanctioning, fund release, monitoring, and project completion. The Minister, MDoNER, will serve as the 'Competent Authority' for the scheme unless specified otherwise.
To facilitate efficient governance of the scheme, an Empowered Inter-Ministerial Committee (EIMC) will be established. This committee, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region, will comprise representatives from pertinent line Ministries, the North Eastern Council, and other relevant entities.
At the state level, the State Governments will establish State Level Empowered Committees (SLECs), led by the Chief Secretary, to oversee the scheme's implementation. The SLEC will include Finance and relevant Secretaries from State Government Departments, technical experts, and representatives from the North Eastern Council. Additionally, the Ministry of DoNER will be represented, along with external experts from reputable institutions, if needed.
The approved expenditure for the PM-DEVINE scheme follows recommendations from the EFC and Union Cabinet approval. The approved outlay for the period between 2022-23 and 2025-26 amounts to ₹6,600 crore, with an initial allocation of ₹1,500 crore for FY 2022-23.
Periodic inspections, especially for projects exceeding ₹100 crore, will occur at defined milestones, ensuring 25 per cent, 50 per cent, 75 per cent, and 100 per cent physical progress.