Why in the News?

The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) has sanctioned 90 projects worth ₹3417.68 crore under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) during the last three financial years (2021-22 to 2023-24) and the current financial year 2024-25. This initiative aims to strengthen infrastructure and socio-economic development across the North Eastern Region (NER).

What is North East Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS)?

• It is a Central Sector Scheme fully funded by the Government of India.
• Launched: In 2017-18 to enhance the socio-economic development of the North Eastern Region (NER) through critical infrastructure projects.
• Time Duration of Scheme: The scheme was initially implemented until 31st March 2022. Later it was extended from 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2026 by the Government.
• Components of NESIDS
  • During its extension, NESIDS was restructured into two components:
  • NESIDS (Roads):
    • Administered By: North Eastern Council (NEC).
    • Focus: Development of infrastructure for roads, bridges, and auxiliary infrastructure in the NER.
  • NESIDS (Other Than Roads Infrastructure - OTRI):
    • Administered By: Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER).
    • Focus: Creation of infrastructure in sectors like:
    • Healthcare: Primary and Secondary healthcare facilities.
    • Education: Infrastructure for Primary and Secondary education.
    • Water and Waste Management: Clean water supply and solid waste management.
    • Industrial and Aviation Development: Industrial hubs and civil aviation projects.
    • Sports and Telecom: Building sports infrastructure and enhancing telecom connectivity.
  • Project Eligibility: Projects ranging from ₹5 crore to ₹50 crore are eligible for funding.

About North-Eastern States

State	Capital	Amount Allocated NESIDS	Chief Minister	Statehood Status by Constitutional Amendment Act
Arunachal Pradesh	Itanagar	603.91	Pema Khandu	55th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1986
Assam	Dispur	1392.43	Himanta Biswa Sarma	22nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1969
Manipur	Imphal	349.59	N.Biren Singh	27th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1971 (UT) Statehood 1972 Under North Eastern Region (Reorganisation) Act, 1971
Meghalaya	Shillong	204.29	Conrad Sangma	Statehood 1972 under North Eastern Region (Reorganisation) Act, 1971
Mizoram	Aizawl	205.32	Lalduhoma	53rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1986
Nagaland	Kohima	193.72	Neiphiu Rio	13th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1962
Sikkim	Gangtok	157.76	Prem Singh Tamang	36th Constitutional Amendment Act
Tripura	Agartala	310.66	Manik Saha	Statehood 1972, under North Eastern Region (Reorganisation) Act, 1971