PM-DevINE Scheme-The Hindu-21-10-2022

PM-DevINE Scheme-The Hindu-21-10-2022
GS-2
GOVERNMENT SCHEMES AND GOVERNNACE
What is PM-DevINE Scheme?
About:
PM-DevINE will lead to the creation of infrastructure, support industries, social development projects and create livelihood activities for youth and women, thus leading to employment generation.
It is a Central Sector Scheme with 100% Central funding.
PM-DevINE will be implemented by the Ministry of DoNER through North Eastern Council or Central Ministries/ agencies. Measures would be taken to ensure adequate operation and maintenance of the projects sanctioned under PM-DevINE so that they are sustainable. To limit construction risks of time and cost overrun, falling on the Government projects would be implemented on Engineering-procurement-Construction (EPC) basis, to the extent possible.

The objectives of PM-DevINE are to:
(a) Fund infrastructure convergently, in the spirit of PM Gati Shakti;
(b) Support social development projects based on felt needs of the NER;
(c) Enable livelihood activities for youth and women;
(d) Fill the development gaps in various sectors.

There are other MDoNER Schemes for the development of North Eastern Region. The average size of projects under other MDoNER Schemes is about Rs.12 crore only. PM-DevINE will support infrastructure and social development projects that may be larger in size and will also provide an end-to-end development solution instead of isolated projects. It will be ensured that there is no duplication of project support under PM-DevINE with any of the other schemes of MDoNER or those of any other Ministry/Department. What is the Significance of the North East for India?
Strategic Significance:
North-East India is the gateway to South-East Asia and beyond. It is India’s land-bridge to Myanmar.
India's Act East Policy places the northeastern states on the territorial frontier of India's eastward engagement.
Cultural Significance: North East India is one of the most culturally diverse areas of the world. It is home to over 200 tribes. Popular festivals include the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland, Pang Lhabsol of Sikkim, etc.
North-east India is a Dowry-Free Zone.
The rich tapestry of cultures of Northeast is reflected in its highly developed Folk dance forms like Bihu (Assam).
Manipur has a tradition of worshipping nature in sacred groves, called UmangLai.
Economic Significance: Economically, the Region is rich in natural resources of “TOT” (Tea, Oil, and Timber).
It is a veritable powerhouse with a potential of 50000 MW of hydroelectric power and an abundant reserve of fossil fuels.
Ecological Significance: North East is a part of Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. It represents one of the highest avian and plant biodiversity of the Indian subcontinent.
This area has the prestige of having all the bear species present in India.

What are Current Challenges Pertaining to North-East India?

Isolation From the Rest of India: The region’s accessibility has always remained weak due to geographical reasons and underdeveloped transport links with the rest of India.
Lack of Efficient Infrastructure: Infrastructure i.e., physical (like roadways, waterways, energy and so on) as well as social infrastructure (for instance educational institutions, health facilities) plays an important role in human development and economic growth of any region
One of the reasons for the economic backwardness of the North-Eastern states is the poor state of basic infrastructural facilities.
Slow Pace of Industrial Growth: North-East India has remained historically underdeveloped in terms of industrial growth.
Territorial Conflicts: There are existing inter-state and international territorial conflicts within the Northeast that are often based on historical border disputes and differing ethnic, tribal or cultural affinities. Example: Assam-Mizoram Border Dispute.
Insurgency and Political Issues: Insurgency or terrorism is a political weapon and is often the result of accumulated anger due to political, economic and social causes.
The North-Eastern states have witnessed a rise of insurgent activities and regional movements with a feeling of exploitation and alienation from other Indian states.