DoNER approves Rs. 539 cr for four more projects in NE

Guwahati: The Prime Minister's Development Initiative for the North-East (DoNER), or PM-DevINE, has received approval from the Central Government for four more projects for Assam and other northeastern states, with a total authorised cost of Rs. 539.65 crore. One of the four projects, with a sanctioned cost of Rs. 132.86 crore, is for Assam.

Seven projects in the northeastern area were previously selected by the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER) for the current fiscal year under PM-DevINE, with an approved cost of Rs 963 crore.

According to DoNER sources, the newly approved projects are

(i) transformation of twenty schools as centres of excellence in the Kamrup district in Assam by its PWD (Public Works Department) with an approved cost of Rs 132.86 crore,
(ii) construction of a new four-lane road and conversion of an existing two-lane road into four-lane one with cycling tracks, utility ducts, footpaths etc., ate New Shillong Township by Directorate of Urban Affairs, Meghalaya with an approved cost of Rs 146.79 crore,
(iii) livelihood projects relating to special development of Eastern Nagaland by Department of Under Developed of Areas, Nagaland with an approved cost of Rs 180 crore, and
(iv) establishment of a solar micro grid for supply of reliable power to remote habitations in Tripura by its Department of Power with an approved cost of Rs 80,79 crore.

The seven projects which the ministry approved earlier were:

(i) Establishment of Dedicated Services for the Management of Paediatric and Adult Haemotolymphoid cancers in North-East India, Guwahati (multi-state) at a cost of Rs 129 crore;
(ii) NECTAR Livelihood Improvement Project' (multi-state) at a cost of Rs 67 crore;
(iii) Promoting Scientific, Organic Agriculture in North-East India (multi-state) at a cost of Rs 45 crore;
(iv) Construction of Aizawl Bypass on Western Side at a cost of Rs 500 crore;
(v) Gap Funding of Passenger Ropeway System from Pelling to Sang Choeling in west Sikkim at a cost of Rs 64 crore;
(vi) Gap Funding for Eco-Friendly Ropeway (Cable car) from Dhapper to Bhaleydhunga in south Sikkim at a cost of Rs 58 crore; and
(vii) Construction and Upgradation of a Bamboo Link Road from Tuirial Airfield to North Chaltlang (18 km) and Lengpui to Saiphal Bamboo Plantation (41 km) in Mizoram with a cost of Rs 100 crore.

The PM-DevINE programme would cost Rs 6,600 crore over the course of four years, from 2022–2023 to 2025–2026. (remaining years of the 15th Finance Commission period). For the 11 projects, the Center has allotted Rs 1,500 crore for the current fiscal year.

The PM-DevINE programme, launched by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the 2022–23 General Budget, aims to build infrastructure, promote industries, fund social development initiatives, and expand livelihood opportunities for women and young people, which would create jobs.

ALSO READ: OIL starts efficient & state-of-the-art power plant at Duliajan