PM-DevINE and NESIDS Schemes

• 23 Aug 2023

For Prelims: PM-DevINE, PM Gati Shakti

For Mains: Significance of North East for India, Challenges Related to North East India

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, The Prime Minister's Development Initiative for North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE), designed to bolster North-East India's development, has undergone crucial revisions to align with the region's needs and aspirations.

• These new guidelines govern all PM-DevINE projects effective from 12th October 2022 onwards.
• Additionally, the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region(MDoNER) releases new Scheme Guidelines for implementing Cabinet-approved North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) during the 15th Finance Commission's balance period (2022-2026).

What are the Revised Guidelines of the PM-DevINE Scheme?

• Project Oversight and Governance:
  • MDoNER will oversee project selection, approval, and monitoring in consultation with State Governments, North Eastern Council (NEC), and concerned Central Ministries, with implementation through NEC or Central Ministries/agencies.
  • The guidelines outline the process, including project identification, selection, DPR preparation, sanction, fund release, monitoring, and completion.
• Empowered Inter-Ministerial Committee (EIMC):
  • Establishment of EIMC to oversee various functions within PM-DevINE.
  • Chaired by the Secretary of the MDoNER.
• State Level Empowered Committee (SLEC):
  • Creation of SLEC at the State level for project review and approval.
  • Composition of SLEC including Chief Secretary, relevant Secretaries, and representation from NEC.
• Regarding Project Selection:
  • North Eastern States must establish Gati Shakti implementation mechanisms like Empowered Group of Secretaries, Network Planning Group, and Technical Support Unit, along with notifying a State Logistics Policy and updating Gati Shakti National Master Plan data layers, including land revenue maps.
    • States not meeting these criteria won't receive new PM-DevINE project sanctions from 2023-24 onwards.

What is PM-DevINE?

• The Genesis of PM-DevINE:
  • The PM-DevINE scheme as a Central Sector scheme, was introduced as a part of the Union Budget 2022-23.
  • The Cabinet granted approval for the PM-DevINE scheme on 12th October 2022. It has been granted 100% Central funding, ensuring that resources are directly allocated to the development initiatives.
  • It will be implemented by the Ministry of Development of the Northeast Region.
• Objectives of PM-DevINE:
  • Infrastructure Development: In line with the spirit of PM GatiShakti, PM-DevINE aims to fund infrastructure projects in a cohesive manner, ensuring seamless connectivity and accessibility across the NER.
  • Supporting Social Development Projects: Recognizing the unique needs and challenges of the NER, the scheme endeavours to support social development projects that address critical issues and improve the overall quality of life for the region's inhabitants.
  • Empowering Youth and Women: PM-DevINE seeks to create livelihood opportunities specifically targeting the youth and women of the NER, enabling them to participate actively in the region's development and progress.
• Ineligible Projects under PM-DEVINE:
  • Projects providing long-term individual benefits or "Direct Benefit Transfer" elements.
  • Projects for administrative buildings of government offices/agencies or institutional needs.
  • Sectors covered by other MDoNER schemes and those specified in the Negative List by the Ministry of DoNER.

What is the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS)?

• NESIDS, a central sector scheme with 100% central funding, receives a renewed approved outlay of Rs. 8139.50 crore for 2022-23 to 2025-26.
• The scheme encompasses two components: NESIDS-Road and NESIDS-Other Than Road Infrastructure (OTRI).
• The merger of the former North East Road Sector Development Scheme (NERSDS) into NESIDS-Road led to the formulation of fresh guidelines.
• NESIDS aims to foster infrastructure development, especially connectivity, in identified sectors across the North Eastern States.

What are Other Initiatives Related to the Development of the Northeast Region?

• North Eastern Council (NEC)
• Connectivity Projects: Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project (Myanmar) and Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Corridor.
• Bharatmala Pariyojana ( 5,301 km road stretches in NER for improvement)
• North East has been kept as a priority area under RCS-UDAN (to make flying more affordable).

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Q. Cross-border movement of insurgents is only one of the several security challenges facing the policing of the border in North-East India. Examine the various challenges currently emanating across the India- Myanmar border. Also, discuss the steps to counter the challenges. (2019)