What is PM-DevINE?

October 12, 2022

The Union Cabinet has recently approved a new scheme called Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE).

Key facts

PM-DevINE scheme was announced by the Central Government during Union Budget 2022-23 to remove the developmental gaps in the North Eastern Region (NER).
The recently launched scheme will be implemented for the remaining four years of the 15^th Finance Commission from 2022-23 to 2025-26.
It was announced to address the shortfalls in Basic Minimum Services (BMS) in the North Eastern Region.
It will be fully funded by the central government and implemented by the Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).
The government has allocated Rs.6,600 crore for the implementation of this scheme.
The scheme provides funding for infrastructure projects and social development projects that will help remove developmental gaps in various sectors in Northeastern region.
The ultimate aim of this initiative is to boost livelihood opportunities in Northeastern region, especially for women and youth.
To minimise the risk of delays and cash crunch, the projects under this scheme will be implemented on engineering-procurement-construction (EPC) basis as much as possible.
The PM-DevINE scheme will not be a substitute to the existing central and state schemes.
The new scheme is unique from the other existing MDoNER schemes that are implemented for the development of North Eastern Region.
The average size of projects under other schemes is about Rs.12 crore. The PM-DevINE scheme aids infrastructure and social development projects that are larger in size. It will also provide end-to-end development solutions rather than focusing on just isolated projects.
For 2022-23, the scheme will cover all projects that were introduced during recent Union Budget.
In the future, it will focus on projects that promises to create substantial socio-economic impact or sustainable job opportunities for the general public. These may include basic infrastructure in all Primary Healthcare Centres, comprehensive facilities in government schools etc.