Unlocking Prosperity: Discover Exciting Opportunities for Nagaland & the North-East in the Union Budget

Revised Budget Increase for DoNER Ministry by Over 47%

Dimapur | February 1: The Union Budget for 2025-26 presents promising prospects for Nagaland and the North-East, albeit without specific allocations for Nagaland. The budget ensures potential benefits through enhanced Central Sector Schemes (CSS) and increased funding for regional development initiatives.

A significant development is the 47.65% rise in allocation for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), from Rs 4006 crore in 2024-25 to Rs 5915 crore in 2025-26. However, this represents a mere Rs 15 crore increase from the previous budget, pointing to potential challenges such as allocation shortfalls.

Key allocations focus on CSS and projects within the Central Pool of Resources for the North-East and Sikkim, alongside the North Eastern Council (NEC). The North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) saw its funding grow from Rs 1500 crore to Rs 2481 crore, aiming at infrastructure projects in water supply, power, connectivity, and social sectors like education and healthcare.

The PM Development Initiative for the North-East Region (PM-DevINE) also received a boost, with funding increasing from Rs 1394 crore to Rs 2296.96 crore, targeting infrastructure driven by the region’s needs.

Additional allocations include Rs 822 crore for NEC schemes, Rs 70 crore for the North East Enterprise Development Scheme (NEEDS), and Rs 200 crore for the Bodoland and other Autonomous Territorial Councils. Establishment expenditures are also covered.

In a push for enhancing regional connectivity, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman underscored the expansion of the UDAN scheme, which will link 120 new destinations and facilitate faster travel for 4 crore passengers. This scheme will support smaller airports in NE districts.

Other notable budget announcements include increased funding for the Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 programmes, regional agricultural initiatives, and new schemes for urban development and innovation, all poised to benefit Nagaland and the entire North-East region.

Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/union-budget-whats-in-it-for-nagaland-north-east
Category : Morung Exclusive , Nagaland
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Publish Date: 2025-02-02 02:32:00