Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, announced that the central government has spent a total of Rs 64,973 crore for the development of the Northeast in the last financial year, up to March 18, 2025. The funds were utilized by 54 ministries and departments, including the Ministry of DoNER, as part of the government’s commitment to the region’s growth.
Scindia revealed the figures during a session in the Rajya Sabha, responding to a query about the utilization of development funds in the Northeast. He highlighted that the Ministry of Rural Development accounted for the highest expenditure, with Rs 10,225 crore, followed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways at Rs 9,935.88 crore, and the Department of Health and Family Welfare at Rs 5,336.47 crore. The Ministry of DoNER itself spent Rs 3,473.99 crore during the same period.
The minister acknowledged challenges in project implementation, such as difficult terrain, inclement weather, and land acquisition issues, which often delay progress. To address these, the government has introduced web-based systems for project monitoring, streamlined fund release frameworks, and implemented third-party inspections to ensure transparency and efficiency.
Scindia reiterated the government’s commitment to the Northeast’s development, emphasizing that the funds are being utilized effectively to improve infrastructure, healthcare, and connectivity in the region. This initiative aligns with the central government’s policy of allocating at least 10% of the gross budgetary support from all ministries to the Northeast.
Stay tuned for further updates on the progress of these developmental projects.
