Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Rs 1,500-crore budget allotment for development of the North-East region has spread cheer among locals.
The scheme, Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for NorthEast, PM-DevINE, will be implemented through the North-Eastern Council. It will fund infrastructure, in the spirit of PM GatiShakti, and social development projects based on the needs of the North-East. It will enable livelihood activities for youth and women, filling the gaps in various sectors.
It will not be a substitute to the existing central or state schemes. While the central ministries may also come up with their projects, priority will be given to those posed by the states.
The government has identified eight projects at a budget of Rs 963 crore and the remaining will be identified soon. Border villages with sparse population and connectivity on northern borders will be covered under Vibrant Village Programme.
Chief ministers of the North-East region thanked PM Narendra Modi.
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Tripura CM Biplab Deb tweeted: “Gratitude to Hon PM Shri @narendramodi Ji & Hon FM @nsitharaman Ji for the Development Initiative for the NE, a scheme in the spirit of PM Gati Shakti to fund social development projects in NE. It will further develop the region & make it the Ashtalakshmi of the country’s economy.”
Budget presented by the Hon FM @nsitharaman Ji is an embodiment of Hon PM Sh @narendramodi Ji's promises of fulfilling the aspiration of all Indians & has been drafted with the vision of making a New India. A pro-farmer & pro-poor budget that will benefit all sectors of economy. pic.twitter.com/e4Blc4Kw5T— Biplab Kumar Deb (@BjpBiplab) February 1, 2022
Assam minister Ashok Singhal tweeted: “North East continues to rise & shine under the great vision & leadership of Adarniya PM Shri @narendramodi ji.”
North East continues to rise & shine under the great vision & leadership of Adarniya PM Shri @narendramodi ji. The new PM-DevINE scheme will further push the region towards progress & create more opportunities for all in coming days.#PMGatiShakti#AatmanirbharBharatKaBudget pic.twitter.com/vfVQIRJ0qR
— Ashok Singhal (@TheAshokSinghal) February 1, 2022
Union minister Kiren Rijiju also thanked the Central government.
Political analysts believe that this announcement will have an impact on Manipur too.
However, Bhupen Bora, Assam Congress Chief, said, “The budget has nothing for the common man. The Modi government has waived the loans of corporate houses, but have burdened the middle class with another direct tax. The budget has nothing for the 84% crippled due to economic uncertainty.”
Tea industry reacts
Assam’s tea industry said the allocation of Rs 60,000 crore, in continuation to the ‘Har Ghar Nal Se Jal’, would enhance the scope for provision of safe drinking water. In addition, the PM-Awas Yojna for eligible beneficiaries would include tea industry workers and dependents residing in the garden. “Although there has not been any particular mention of the tea industry, the budget has ample provisions for the North-East. The emphasis on solar power to lower the carbon footprint is another area the tea gardens can be benefit from,” said Prabhat Kamal Bezboruah, chairperson, Tea Board of India.
The Tea Association of India is, however, wary of the emphasis on blending of fuel, which could lead to an additional differential excise duty of Rs 2 per litre and hence add to the cost of production.
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