PM DeVINE Scheme: A Transformative Push for North East Development

The North Eastern Region (NER) of India, rich in culture, biodiversity, and strategic value, has long faced developmental challenges due to its difficult terrain, connectivity gaps, and historical neglect. To bridge this development gap and empower the region, the Government of India launched the PM DeVINE Scheme (Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region) in 2022.

The PM DeVINE Scheme is a dedicated and transformative initiative aimed at providing infrastructure, enhancing livelihood opportunities, and catalyzing social development across the eight North Eastern states.

Table of Contents

Objectives of PM DeVINE Scheme

The scheme has been designed to address the specific and critical needs of the North Eastern Region through focused interventions. Its main objectives include:

Infrastructure development in underserved and remote areas.
Livelihood generation, especially for women and youth.
Social sector investments in health, education, and agriculture.
Closing development gaps between the North East and the rest of India.
Ensuring inclusive growth by involving local communities and state governments.

Key Features of PM DeVINE Scheme

Central Sector Scheme
PM DeVINE is entirely funded by the Central Government, ensuring quick approvals and implementation without waiting for state contributions.
Flexibility in Project Selection
States can propose need-based projects under the scheme, focusing on key gaps in their infrastructure and social sectors.
Livelihood and Employment Focus
Priority is given to projects that generate sustainable livelihoods, especially in rural and tribal regions.
Sustainable Development
The scheme emphasizes eco-friendly and regionally tailored solutions that align with the environmental sensitivities of the North East.
Time-bound and Outcome-oriented
Every project under PM DeVINE has clear timelines and deliverables, monitored by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER).

Financial Outlay

In its first year (2022–23), the government allocated ₹1,500 crore for PM DeVINE. The fund is expected to expand based on project pipeline and implementation capacity.

As of 2025:

Total allocation since launch: Over ₹4,200 crore
Number of major projects approved: 60+
Coverage: All 8 North Eastern states — Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura

Flagship Projects Under PM DeVINE Scheme

Some of the notable projects include:

Tertiary healthcare facilities in Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh
Agri-entrepreneurship development centers in Assam and Nagaland
Livelihood clusters for tribal artisans in Manipur
Rural roads and bridges connecting isolated hamlets in Meghalaya and Sikkim
Tourism infrastructure in scenic but underdeveloped districts

These projects are designed to not only create physical assets but also uplift local communities economically and socially.

Current Performance (As of 2025)

The PM DeVINE Scheme has shown promising progress:

Over 80% of approved projects are either completed or in advanced stages of implementation.
States report improved inter-district connectivity and increased access to markets for farmers and artisans.
Women-led self-help groups (SHGs) supported under the scheme are generating new livelihood opportunities.
States like Nagaland and Mizoram have used the scheme for setting up skill training centers that have trained thousands of rural youth.

Benefits of the PM DeVINE Scheme

✅ Regional Equity

The scheme ensures that the North East region is no longer left behind in India’s development journey.

✅ Economic Empowerment

By supporting rural livelihoods, entrepreneurship, and job creation, it provides long-term economic empowerment.

✅ Boost to Tourism and Trade

Improved roads, health centers, and connectivity promote tourism and increase cross-border trade with neighboring countries.

✅ Inclusive Governance

Local needs and priorities are integrated into planning, strengthening federalism and participatory governance.

✅ Peace and Integration

Enhanced development leads to greater social stability and integration of the North East with the rest of India.

Challenges and Road Ahead

While the PM DeVINE Scheme is a timely intervention, it faces certain challenges:

Difficult terrain and climatic conditions often delay construction work.
Shortage of skilled manpower in remote districts impacts execution.
Coordination between central agencies and state governments must be seamless to avoid overlaps.

To address these, the Centre is investing in capacity building, deploying technology-based monitoring systems, and encouraging community participation for better outcomes.

Conclusion

The PM DeVINE Scheme marks a visionary shift in India’s approach to the North Eastern Region. Instead of isolated or symbolic initiatives, it brings a comprehensive and sustained developmental framework that aligns with the local culture, geography, and economy. If implemented with the same momentum, the scheme can truly unlock the untapped potential of the North East, making it a new engine of national growth.

Further Information

Official Portal: https://mdoner.gov.in

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