The Government of India has launched several schemes and initiatives to promote industrial growth and investment in the North Eastern Region (NER). These steps seek to reduce the locational disadvantages of the region, promote industrialization, and generate employment. Union Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, shared these updates in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today on 4rth December 2024.
The North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP), 2007, was implemented between April 1, 2007, and March 31, 2017, to facilitate industrial growth in the region. Also, to address transportation challenges for industries in hilly and remote areas, the Freight Subsidy Scheme (FSS) was introduced in 2013, replacing the earlier Transport Subsidy Scheme of 1971.
To improve industrial and service sector development, the North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS), 2017, was launched, and it has since been followed by the Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme (UNNATI), 2024. Launched on March 9, 2024, UNNATI is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at industrial development and employment generation across the North Eastern states.
In addition to these initiatives, the government has mandated that 55 non-exempted Central Ministries and Departments allocate at least 10% of their Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) to Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes in the North Eastern Region. This policy ensures significant funding for the region's overall growth.
Flagship schemes like the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) and the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) are also being implemented to enhance connectivity and infrastructure. Further, schemes under the North Eastern Council focus on broad regional development.
These initiatives highlight the government’s dedication to transforming the North Eastern Region into a hub of industrial and infrastructural development. (PR)