The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) has approved 90 projects worth ₹3,417.68 crore under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) over the last three financial years (2021-22 to 2023-24) and the current financial year (2024-25). This was announced by Union Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
The projects cover two major elements of the NESIDS scheme:
1. NESIDS (Roads): Focused on building infrastructure for roads and bridges.
2. NESIDS (Other Than Roads Infrastructure - OTRI): Targeted at primary and secondary health care, education, water supply, solid waste management, industrial development, sports, telecom, and other sectors.
Under NESIDS (Roads), only projects creating physical assets in roads and auxiliary infrastructure are qualified, while NESIDS (OTRI) funds projects ranging from ₹5 crore to ₹50 crore in size.
The projects are implemented and primarily monitored by the respective state governments of the North Eastern Region (NER). The MDoNER also actively manages its progress through reviews and technical evaluations.
To bolster project management, the Ministry has introduced several steps:
- Field Technical Support Units (FTSUs): Established in all eight North Eastern states, these units interact with project executing agencies, update databases on the Gati Shakti Portal, and perform routine checks.
- Project Quality Monitors (PQM) and Third-Party Technical Inspection (TPTI): A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for these monitoring mechanisms was published in February 2024. Projects costing up to ₹20 crores are reviewed by PQMs, while larger projects exceeding ₹20 crores are monitored by empanelled government engineering colleges in the region.
- Here is the state-wise allocation:
All North Eastern states are eligible for funding under NESIDS, based on their normative allotments. The scheme strives to address the region’s vital infrastructure requirements while encouraging sustainable development.
The Ministry, along with the North Eastern Council (NEC), regularly reviews assigned projects. By leveraging technical and institutional support, MDoNER ensures that the infrastructure measures under NESIDS meet quality norms and timelines.
The NESIDS program highlights the government’s promise to encourage development and enhance the quality of life in the North Eastern Region by addressing its unique infrastructural challenges. (PR)