1. Achievements under Schemes of MDoNER

 

1. Sanctioned Projects for NE States

 

In the year 2024 till 15.12.2024 a total number of 86 Projects worth Rs. 1970.54 crore have been sanctioned and Rs 1590.81  crore has been released under various Schemes of MDoNER viz. North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme-Other Than Roads Infrastructure  (NESIDS-OTRI),  North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme – Roads (NESIDS-Roads), Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE), Schemes of NEC and Special Development Packages.

 

(ii) Process reform for approval of project and release of funds:

 

1. Simplification of Scheme guidelines: Guidelines of schemes of PM DevINE, NESIDS (OTRI), NESIDS (Roads) have been simplified to jointly consider concept note and DPR of project proposals in one go.  This will reduce the lead-time in conceptualization and sanction of projects.

 

2. Rationalization of Financial and Sectoral Demarcation: Financial and sectoral demarcation among the schemes of MDoNER has been rationalized to prevent duplication of sanction of projects belonging to similar sectors across multiple schemes of MDoNER.

 

3. Simplification of process flow:  The process of flow of funds for projects sanctioned under schemes of MDoNER/NEC has been simplified to enable the release of funds for projects in 4 instalments only. This has standardized the process of release of funds and reduced the delay and pendency of release cases.

 

4. Poorvottar Vikas Setu portal: This portal has been developed to digitize the process for submission of concept notes and DPRs to MDoNER for expeditious processing of proposals. This has also ensured proper tracking of all proposals received from State Governments.

 

5. PM Gati Shakti Portal: MDoNER has created its own instance of the PM Gati Shakti portal which contains the geotagged details of all the ongoing andcompleted projects.  Post sanction processes of all the ongoing projects are monitored through this portal.

 

2.         Expenditure under 10% Gross Budgetary Support for NE Region

 

As per the extant policy of the Government, all non-exempted Central Ministries / Departments (currently 54) are mandated to spend at least 10% of their Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) of Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes for North Eastern Region (NER). Regular quarterly review meetings at the level of Hon’ble Minister / Secretary, MDoNER are being held to ensure that all Ministries spend the mandatory 10% of their GBS in the North Eastern Region.  Meeting with the Ministries/Departments   which are not able to spend as per their target are being held separately in order to expedite the implementation of the projects and also the expenditures. 

10% GBS scheme portal(https://nesetu.mdoner.gov.in/gbs/) developed to depict the information of Budget Estimate (BE), Actual Expenditure (AE) for All India as well as North East Region in scheme level from each ministry/departments collected on monthly basis. All the Non Exempted ministries have been provided login in this portal for data entry. This portal helps in monitoring the progress of 10% GBS Schemes. Various types of reports are also available in this portal.

3. Focus on NER- Fortnightly Visit of Hon’ble Union Ministers to NE States

In order to accelerate the pace of development in North Eastern Region and to maximize the efficacy of the projects/schemes being implemented by the Government in the region, it was decided that each North Eastern State will be visited by a Union Minister in every 15 days. MDoNER anchors and coordinates these visits by nominating Union Ministers for visiting NE States by rotation every month, since 2015.  From January,2015 to 31st November, 2024, Union Ministers visited NER for more than 723 times. These visits are coordinated and monitored through “PoorvottarSamparkSetu”  portal,  which provides valuable insights and graphical information about State-wise/ District-wise visits of Hon’ble Union Ministers in NER. Action taken on the recommendation of Union Ministers during these visits is reviewed by Hon’ble MoS, MDoNER from time to time.

4.         Setting up of various Task Forces:

 

1. Agarwood Task Force: Agar is one of the world’s most valuable trees, native to North East Region(NER) used for medicine and fragrance purposes. The agarwood sector in the NER holds significant promise for economic growth and international trade. Recognizing its potential, an Inter-Ministerial Task Force (IMTF) was constituted by Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) to streamline and enhance the agarwood industry in the region towards sustainable development and global competitiveness.

 

2. Tourism Task Force: To develop one world-class tourism site per NE state to attract global visitors; establish GI status for 200 unique products in NER and foster cultural identity and brand recognition, Inter-ministerial Tourism Task Force has been set.  Tourism sites for development in each state have been identified and shared with the respective States. The State shall be taking a final decision  on the way forward.

5.         Key Initiatives:

1. North East Sammelan: On 05 February, 2024 Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) organized North East Sammelan at Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.During the event Hon’ble Minister, MDoNER virtually laid foundation stone of the North Eastern Cultural and Social Institute at Dwarka costing Rs 116.38 crore and inaugurated the Barak Hostel at JNU, New Delhi, costing Rs 28.67 crore.

 

 

 

 

2. Vividhtaka Amrit Mahotsav: On 08^th February, 2024, Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Drupadi Murmu inaugurated the 4-day cultural extravaganza “Vividhtaka Amrit Mahotsav”: A cultural odyssey unveiling the richness of Northeast India at AmritUdyan, RashtrapatiBhavan, New Delhi. The then Hon’ble Minister of DoNER Shri G. Kishan Reddy and Hon’ble Minister of Earth Science, Shri KirenRijiju were also present during the occasion. MDoNER organized this event in partnership with the Ministry of Culture. TheMahotsav showcased the rich diversity of Northeast India, blending traditional arts, crafts, and cultures under one vibrant umbrella. The Mahotsav also celebrated the vibrant tapestry of diverse flavours and unique traditions of Northeast India's culinary landscape including Assam Laksa, Manipur's Erombaetc.

 

 

 

3. CSR Roundtable: On 15 February, 2024, MDoNER organized a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) roundtable in VigyanBhawan, New Delhi. Secretary, MDoNER, Senior Officers from MDoNER and Ministry of Corporate Affairs; North Eastern States; North Eastern Council; representatives of CPSEs; various corporate and NGOs participated in the event. The roundtable provided a platform to the states to share ideas about increasing CSR spend in NER.

 

 

4. Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav: On 29 September, 2024, Hon’ble President of India, Smt. DroupadiMurmu, inaugurated the “Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav” held from 29 September to 6 October, 2024 at RashtraptiNilayam, Hyderabad. Hon’ble Governors of all eight NE States and Telangna, Hon’ble Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble MoS, MDoNER, Shri SukantaMajumdar also graced the Inauguration. The eight-day festival was held to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the North-Eastern States, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant arts, crafts, music, dance, and culinary delights from the region. Over 300 talented artists and artisans from these regions showcased their diverse traditions.

 

5. Purvottara Vikas Chintan Shivir: On 13^thSeptember, 2024, “PurvottaraVikas Chintan Shivir” was held under the Chairmanship of Secretary, MDoNER. Representatives of 54 Union Ministries/Departments, NITI Aayog, Border Road Organization, Deputy Commissioners of 14 Aspirational Districts of NER, Planning Secretaries of eight NE States, Senior Officers of MDoNER and its organizations participated in the dialogue and offered valuable inputs for streamlining timely project implementation.

 

 

6. World Food India (WFI) 2024: WFI-2024 was held at Bharat Mandapam from 19-22 September, 2024. In the 4-day Mega event several countries, other Indian States and UTs and 18 Central Ministries and allied Government bodies participated. MDoNER participated in the event through its CPSE, North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Ltd. (NERAMAC) and all 8 NE States. MDoNER, in association with World Food India, hosted a session on 'Sustainable Agriculture for Livelihoods Promotion in the North Eastern Region (NER) of India'.

 

7. Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav(6-8 December, 2024): The first ever Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav was organized  at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi  showcasing Northeast India’s vibrant textile sector, tourism opportunities, traditional craftsmanship, and distinctive Geographical Indication (GI) tagged products.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Mahotsav was inaugurated by Hon’ble PM.CMs of Assam, Sikkim, Meghalya& Tripura and Ministers from Other NE States and other dignitaries attended the inaugural function and technical sessions. It served as a celebration of the region’s cultural wealth while focusing on its strategic importance in India’s future development. The event introduced Purvi, the mascot of the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav. Purvi, a young girl representing the region’s heritage, culture, and aspirations beyond the duration of the event.

 Over 250 artisans will displayed unique handicrafts, handlooms, and agri-horti products, including 34 GI-tagged items. Technical sessions focused on key development areas like women’s leadership, IT, energy, healthcare, sports etc. An Investors Roundtable explored opportunities in sectors like handicrafts, agriculture, and tourism, while Buyer-Seller Meets promoted business collaborations. The investors roundtable held during Mahotsav garnered a total of Rs 2326 Cr worth of investment intents.

 

8. Bankers’ Conclave (21.12.2024):  Bankers’ Conclave 2.0 has been organized on 21.12.2024 in Agartala, Tripura with the objective to enhance financial inclusion and economic growth in the Northeast. Financial Inclusion, Credit Delivery, Digital Ecosystem and Priority Sector Lending has been the key focus areas.  In the conclave deliberation held on   in chalking out the strategies to improve financial literacy, promote SHGs, and formalize MSMEs. It may also result in Increased credit flow and end-to-end financing for sustainable development in NER.

 

  

 

 

6.   Investment Promotion in Northeast Region

 

1. The Ministry is organizing investment promotion activities to showcase the region’s investment and trade potential. The focus sectors identified for the purpose are agriculture & allied sectors, handicrafts & handlooms, tourism & hospitality, IT&ITeS, sports & entertainment, education & skill development and healthcare.  As a precursor to North-East Investor’s Summit (NEIS), which the Ministry, plans to organize inMarch-April, 2025), a total of 4 Road Shows have been organized during 2024  in Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluruto showcase investment and trade potential of North Eastern Region. 115 MoUs worth Rs.38,856 have been signed between the States and Investors so far covering all the 6 Roadshows so far.

 

 

       

 

       

 

2. With an intent to strengthen the Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) and to assist the NE State Government to meet the objectives of attracting, facilitating and increasing investments in their states, MDoNER has signed an Memorandum of Understanding with Invest India. The activities and deliverables include smooth investment facilitation, focused investment, improvement in investment ecosystem & Ease of Doing Business development of mutually beneficial partnershipsfor investment, support in the preparation of investor-friendly policies, identification of key growth sectors and build partnerships for investment and commerce; which would help in leveraging the resources of North Eastern states to ensure sustainable development and inclusive growth.

 

7.        North Eastern Council Plenary

 

72st Plenary of North Eastern Council was held at State Convention Centre, Shillong on 21^st December, 2024. It was Chaired by Hon'ble Union Home Minister and Chairman of NEC, Shri Amit Shah in the presence of the then Hon'ble Union Minister, DoNER and Vice-Chairman, NEC, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia and the Hon'ble MoS, DoNER and Member, NEC, Shri Sukanta Mazumdar, Hon'ble Governors of NE States and Hon'ble Chief Ministers of NE States. The Plenary was also attended by Secretary, MDoNER, Secretary, NEC and Other Senior Officers of Government of India and State Governments of NER. Various issues pertaining to NEC and NER were discussed during the Plenary. Hon’ble Home Minister emphasized on the development of Infrastructure, use of technology etc.

 

 

8.        IT Interventions:

 

Launch of North Eastern Region Agri-Commodity e-Connect (NERACE) app: On 12 July, 2024, Hon’ble Minister of DoNER launched the North Eastern Region Agri-Commodity e-Connect (NERACE) app. The NERACE is a unified digital platform connecting farmers to the global market, enabling direct transactions and price negotiation. The app features a multilingual helpline (English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Nepali, Khasi, Mizo and Manipuri) and integrated farmers and sellers, enhancing agricultural connectivity in North East India. By bridging the gap between farmers and buyers, NERACE aims to empower farmers to reach more buyers, improve their income, and enhance access to new opportunities.

 

Mobile Application:

For field level monitoring of the projects and to assists FTSUs during the physical inspection of the projects, a Mobile Application has been developed for Post Sanction Monitoring activity. This app has the facility to update physical progress, images of project, tender details, project location etc.

 

9. Five-point framework for the development of Northeast Region: Ministry has worked out  five-point framework for the overall development of NEC.  It includes:

 

1. 1. Competitive Matrix: To ensure the overall development of Northeast Ministry has determined (i) Competitiveness of a particular State vis-a vis other 7 States in Northeast; (ii) Competitive Strength of a State vis-a vis rest of India; and(iii) Relative Strength of a statecompared to its international neighbors. SWOT analysis in terms of Strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats have been done for each State on various parameters viz Health, Education, Energy, Infrastructure-transport & connectivity, Agri-Allied and Food Processing and Tourism. Recommendations for short term, medium term and long-term measures have been shared with the States. MDoNER has identified areas having potential but not yet tapped fully, such as Tourism, cultivation of Palm Oil, Agarwood, horticulture, etc. and these have been discussed with State CMs during the visits of Hon’ble Minister of Development of North Eastern Region.

 

1. 2. Vibrant Village: The program aims to identify and develop villages and towns along the northeastern border, specifically in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, to enhance infrastructure and improve the quality of life for residents. It focuses on economic growth, road connectivity, renewable energy, telecom services, ecosystem regeneration, tourism, financial inclusion, skill development, and the establishment of cooperative societies.

 

1. 3. Capital Investment:It aimsto complete major projects in the State sanctioned under the schemes of MDoNER and 10% Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) provision for other Line Ministries and Departments.The strategy emphasizes the identification and implementation of transformative projects, selecting five landmark initiatives per state to ensure high impact. This approach aims to gradually transition towards fewer but larger and more significant projects, maximizing resources and achieving substantial developmental outcomes.

 

1. 4. 100% saturation: To Identify one idea for implementation and then work towards ensuring cent-percent saturation of the idea throughout the State.

 

1. 5. Performance Based Incentives: MDoNER is planning to incentivize States showing greater efficiency in completion of projects and operationalization by allocating them higher budget outlay.

 

10. Ministry of DoNER is conducting a series of lectures ‘VICHAAR’ on monthly basis since January, 2024 on emerging topics of development. The lectures are aimed at engendering high quality interactions and insights into various challenges and opportunities in the North Eastern Region. Eminent speakers from Institutions/Organisations of repute are invited to share their ideas in various fields of development viz. infrastructure, livelihood generation, skill development, entrepreneurship, capacity building, renewable energy etc.

Till  September, 2024 six lectures have been conducted by Ministry on following topics involving  eminent speakers from Institutions/Organisations etc:-

 (i) Sustainable Infrastructure in North East Region: Possibilities & Challenges on 24.01.2024,     

(ii)  Opportunities of Livelihood in Agri & Horti in NER on 01.02.2024

(iii) Capacity Building of weavers and Artisans in NER on 29.02.2024

(iv)  Promotion of Entrepreneurship-Startups in NER on 28.03.2024

(v) Ideas and scope of developing renewable energy in NER” on 26.04.2024 

(vi) Artificial Intelligence in Public Sector on 09.09.2024.

 

11. Achievements of North Eastern Handicrafts & Handlooms Development Corporation Limited (NEHHDC)

 

• NEHHDC identified & mobilised 623 numbers of artisans and weavers of all the eight NE states and showcased the rich crafts of the NER and provided marketing platform to them in the recently completed ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT UTSAV, VIVIDHTA KA AMRIT MAHOTSAV 2024, SURAJKUND MELA 2024.

 

• To highlight the significance of Eri silk culture, as a part of the 78th Independence Day celebrations, 2024, NEHHDC has inaugurated the Eri Silk Rearing and Production Experience Centre (ESRPEC) at the Garchuk office campus. The main aim of this centre is to promote Eri culture and to demonstrate the various stages of the Eri silk lifecycle. Additionally, the centre will feature educational exhibits, videos, and interactive displays to emphasize the history, cultural significance, and technical aspects of Eri silk.

         NEHHDC has also obtained the prestigious OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification for its Eri Silk from Germany on the Nation’s 78th Independence Day.

 

• Established a Center of Excellency in collaboration with Apparel Made- Ups & Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council at Garchuk, Guwahati for conducting job-oriented and industry related curriculum for under graduate, post graduate and continuing education, to promote Training of Trainers and assessors and skilling industry professional on Apparel & Home Furnishings sectors.

 

• Launched YARN ON WHEELS (Har Ghar Dhaga) initiative along with yarn through NEHHDC mobile app which have significantly impacted the local weaving community for more affordable yarn directly at their doorstep by supplying 1,907.53 kg of yarns of Cotton, Eri, Tussar and Acrylic of ₹28.40 lakhs.

 

• Established in-house Smart Handloom and Innovation Centre under the brand name ‘Nature’s Weave’, which has produced 4977 units of sarees, stoles, dupattas, mufflers, bedsheets, curtains cushion covers and 1240 metres of other yardage fabrics made from Cotton, Eri, Mulberry, Muga silks etc. with overall sale of ₹91.03 lakhs.

 

• Established an NABL accredited Textile Testing Laboratory, at Garchuk, Guwahati and as on date 12,971 numbers of Test Reports are provided to private and government agencies regarding testing fiber, yarns and fabric. The Laboratory is able to carry out various testing like fiber content, fiber fitness, fabric thickness, thread count, yarn count, Lea Strength Test etc.

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