Ministry of DoNER Promotes Northeast India Development Initiatives
New Delhi: The Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region (DoNER) is focused on driving growth and development across Northeast India by enhancing transparency, infrastructure, and investment. Under the leadership of Secretary Chanchal Kumar, the ministry has revitalized its strategies to attract private investment and streamline project approvals since September 2023.
During a recent discussion with APAC Media, Kumar shared insights about the ministry’s initiatives and long-term strategies aimed at transforming the region’s economic outlook. "Our primary goals revolve around creating accountability and ensuring successful project execution across various sectors, including healthcare and tourism," he said.
A significant move has been the introduction of a transparent project monitoring system, which makes every project sanctioned and executed publicly accessible via the ministry’s website. This system not only enhances accountability but also involves state-level committees chaired by the Chief Secretary to make recommendations.
The approval process, conducted entirely online, requires projects to pass through several evaluations, culminating with rigorous checks by inter-ministerial committees led by Kumar himself. Projects are recommended by state governments based on quotas factoring population and area metrics, ensuring localized input.
"If we encounter objections during the process, we work with the states to suggest alternatives which would yield greater benefits for the citizens," Kumar added. Once approved, implementation falls to the state governments, with DoNER tasked with overseeing the monitoring quality through third-party institutions like IITs and NITs.
Beyond transparency, DoNER serves as a pivotal gap-funding agency bridging the financial shortfalls from various central ministries. Kumar highlighted the alarming rise of cancer cases, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, leading the ministry to sanction cancer projects slated for initiation soon.
Expenditure reports show promising figures: "We achieved Rs 1,02,749 crore against our target of Rs 92,000 crore, marking success beyond expectations," Kumar remarked. This financial boost visibly correlates with the improving GDP growth rate of the Northeastern region, surpassing the national average.
Infrastructure expansion, especially within highway construction, has exemplified this growth, as annual completion of national highway projects has leapt from 300 km to 1,300 km within five years. Kumar emphasized, "These developments reflect the growing appetite of state governments for enhanced execution capabilities."
Attracting private investments remains pivotal. The DoNER has initiated investment roadshows across major urban centers, prominently Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai. These roadshows feature North East state representatives advocating for investment opportunities, reassured by stable governance and incentivized policies. "We signed MOUs worth Rs 30,000 crore just this March, and another Rs 60,000 crore by late January through these targeted events," noted Kumar.
Agriculture and tourism are particularly ripe for growth, with high-value crops unique to the region—like the Naga chilli and queen pineapple—gaining wider recognition both domestically and internationally. Medical tourism is also on the rise, fueled by the increasing demand for health professionals from countries like Singapore, Japan, and South Korea.
Yet, the development path is not without challenges. Kumar pointed out connectivity as a pressing issue, acknowledging the accessibility concerns faced by cities like Kohima, as opposed to well-connected urban hubs like Guwahati. Land acquisition is another hurdle, as cultural ownership patterns complicate large-scale infrastructure projects.
Despite these obstacles, Kumar remains optimistic about the momentum gained within the region. "Overall governance is improving, financial access is broadening, and economic integration with the national backdrop is on the rise. The North East’s contribution to India’s GDP is currently 2.9 percent, and we intend to strengthen this through strategic initiatives," he remarked.
Another key initiative is the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS), which was launched fully government-funded back in 2017-18, with the primary focus on road and other infrastructure. The scheme has encompassed various past projects under previous programs to create cohesive growth.
Under schemes such as PM-DevINE, approximately Rs 43,480.57 crore has been allocated for 3,586 projects, out of which over 2,448 projects have been completed. This structured approach is paving the way for unprecedented development and opportunities within the region, positioning the North East as integral to India's overall growth narrative.
Chanchal Kumar concluded, "The economic and social potential of the North East is immense, and we are steadfastly committed to realizing it by ensuring impactful policy interventions and efficient execution across key sectors."