Union DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Reviews Northeast Development, Highlights Over Rs 1 Lakh Cr Investment in Infrastructure

Minister Scindia is in Tripura today where he is scheduled to review DoNER schemes in the state.

Union Minister for Development of North East Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, is currently on a 4-day visit to the Northeastern region to review ongoing development projects and highlight the significant strides made under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During his visit to Mizoram on Thursday evening, he lauded the transformative development in the region, particularly in infrastructure, human resource development, and connectivity.

He pointed out that the Northeast is critical as a gateway to Southeast Asia and has received substantial investments in infrastructure. The government has allocated Rs 27,000 crore annually for the region, which makes up 10% of the total budget for 55 ministries, totalling over Rs 1.05 lakh crore in capital expenditure.

Key infrastructure highlights in Mizoram and the Northeast include:

1.4,500 km of new roads under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) worth Rs 50,000 crore.
2.Expansion of national highways from 10,000 km to 16,000 km.
3.Growth in airports from 9 to 17 across the region.
4.19 railway projects worth Rs 82,000 crore, including a Rs 8,213 crore rail line in Mizoram, which is 93% complete. The project will include the construction of 43 tunnels and 142 bridges.

Scindia compared Mizoram’s funding from just Rs 4,734 crore between 2004-2014 to over Rs 33,000 crore since 2014 till today.

The Minister discussed the region’s potential in civil aviation, telecommunications, tourism, and agriculture.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia’s visit underscores the substantial progress made in the North East under the Modi government’s leadership. With a focus on infrastructure development, connectivity, and sectoral growth, the region is poised for further economic advancement, contributing significantly to India’s overall development.

Before Mizoram, Scindia visited Nagaland, where he met with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and other leaders.

He pointed out a significant rise in central funding, with grants increasing from Rs 31,383 crore to Rs 64,768 crore.

Special assistance of Rs 2,290 crore in interest-free loans was also provided. Scindia noted that tax devolution to Nagaland surged from Rs 5,405 crore to nearly Rs 37,000 crore over the last decade, with Rs 7,096 crore allocated this fiscal year.

Key developments in Nagaland include:

1.Nagaland’s first medical college (inaugurated in October 2023).
863 km of national highways built.
2.Approval for 208 km of new highways with a capital outlay of Rs 2,709 crore.
3.Improvements in air connectivity at Dimapur Airport.
4.A sports complex and women’s entrepreneurship centre funded with Rs 172 crore.
5.Rs 1,080 crore invested in telecom infrastructure.

Scindia also visited Arunachal Pradesh, where he held a meeting with Chief Minister Pema Khandu to review key development initiatives aimed at shaping the state’s future.

On the final leg of his trip, Scindia flew to Tripura, landing in Agartala on Thursday evening, where he attended the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas programme. Today, he is scheduled to review DoNER schemes in the state.

Overall, Union Minister Scindia’s visit highlights the Modi government’s substantial investment in the Northeast, with over Rs 1.8 lakh crore in total development funding, focusing on infrastructure, connectivity, and sectoral growth.

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