Cabinet approves North-East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme

The Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 December 2017 approved the introduction of a new Central Sector Scheme - 'North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme’ (NESIDS) from 2017-18.

The scheme is being introduced to fill up the gaps in the creation of infrastructure in specified sectors till March 2020. It would be fully funded by the central government.

The NESIDS will broadly cover the creation of infrastructure under following sectors:

• Physical infrastructure relating to water supply, power, connectivity and especially the projects promoting tourism.

• The infrastructure of social sectors of education and health.

Benefits of NESIDS

• The assets to be created under the new scheme will not only strengthen health care and education facilities in the region but will also encourage tourism thereby the employment opportunities for local youth.

• The scheme will act as a catalyst in the overall development of the region in the years to come.

Besides this, the Cabinet also approved the continuation of the existing Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) scheme till March 2020. The funding of the scheme would be done by both centre and state in a ratio of 90: 10 with the total outlay being Rs 5300 crore. The scheme is aimed at enabling speedy completion of the ongoing projects.

Union Cabinet approves bill criminalising instant Triple Talaq