Once considered a distant frontier, India’s Northeastern Region (NER) has, over the last decade, been transformed into a symbol of progress, stability, and untapped potential. Guided by the Prime Minister’s vision of “Act East” and “Transformation by Transportation,” the Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region (MDoNER) has steered a deliberate and inclusive developmental journey. Focused policy interventions, infrastructure investments, peace accords, and institutional support have collectively reshaped the region’s trajectory.

• In alignment with its core mission, MDoNER has channeled substantial budgetary resources into improving essential services: power, water supply, health, education, and transport connectivity. This public investment is not merely about physical infrastructure—it is part of a broader strategy to reinforce social stability. By enhancing basic services, these investments help close the long-standing development gap in the region, thereby reinforcing peace and enabling further growth.

Peace and Security:

Historically, the Northeast has been marred by insurgency and internal conflict. Since 2014, however, government-led peace initiatives have dramatically altered this dynamic:

• Framework Agreement with NSCN(IM) – 2015
• Tripura Peace Accord (NLFT/SD) – 2019
• Bodo Peace Accord – 2020
• Karbi-Anglong Peace Accord – 2021
• Assam–Meghalaya Boundary Agreement – 2022
• Adivasi Assam Peace Accord – 2022
• DNLA Peace Agreement – 2023
• ULFA Peace Accord – 2023
• NLFT and ATTF Peace Agreement – 2024

The successful signing of these accords has led to a sharp decline in extremist incidents and civilian or security personnel fatalities. Importantly, the reduced prevalence of violence has allowed the government to begin rolling back the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in many areas. At the same time, long-standing interstate disputes—such as those involving Assam and Arunachal Pradesh—are now being resolved through official memorandums of understanding, anchoring a foundation of durable peace.

Infrastructure development: 

Industrialization

UNNATI (2024): Under the Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme, strategic incentives and support are being extended to new and expanded industrial units across all eight North Eastern states (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura), monitored by DPIIT.

PM‑DevINE (Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region)

Launched in the 2022–23 budget, PM‑DevINE is a central-sector umbrella program with an allocation of Rs 6,600 crore (2022–26). It targets:

1.       Infrastructure aligned with PM GatiShakti’s integrated planning

2.      Social services tailored to regional needs

3.      Youth and women’s livelihood opportunities

4.     Bridging developmental gaps across sectors

Energy and Power

In August 2024, approval was granted for an ambitious hydroelectric expansion: a Rs 4,136-crore equity support program (FY 2024–25 to 2031–32), aiming to support approximately 15,000 MW of hydropower capacity through a 10 percent gross budgetary share.

Iconic Projects & Connectivity:

• Bogibeel Bridge (2018): After 16 years, the project finally opened in 2018, transforming multimodal connectivity in the region.
• Railway Expansion: For the first time since independence, passenger rail services have begun in Mizoram.
• Air Connectivity: Ten greenfield airports have been developed in the past decade, significantly boosting tourism.
• Water-Transport (Ro–Ro): Ferry services on the Brahmaputra (e.g., Dhubri–Hatsingimari, Nematia–Kamalabari, Guwahati–North Guwahati) enhance inter-state movement and commerce.

Economic Boost and Investment Climate:

• Disbursement Trends: By 31 March 2025, Rs 1,010.99 crore had been disbursed under northeastern development packages, including Rs 400 crore in FY 2024–25 alone.
• Northeast Investors’ Summit (May 23–24, 2025): With delegates from 80+ countries, the summit saw Rs 4.3 lakh crore in investment interest. Over the past decade, Rs 21,000 crore has been invested in the region’s education sector.
• High-Level Task Forces (HLTFs): Multiple HLTFs are focusing on distinct growth areas—Economic Corridor development, tourism, investment promotion, infrastructure, handlooms/handicrafts, food self-sufficiency, agriculture and horticulture, and sports.

Agriculture, Livelihoods, and Agri‑Business:

• Edible Oil & Organic Farming: The region is set to become a major edible oil producer and a global organic farming hub.
• Van Dhan Vikas Yojana: Supporting 330,000 tribal gatherers and 19,155 self-help groups in developing livelihood opportunities.
• Bamboo as Grass & National Bamboo Mission: Declaring bamboo a grass and launching a national mission has boosted bamboo product manufacturing.
• NERAMAC’s Role: The Northeastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation boosted its product mix from 38 to 78 items, adding innovative goods like sumac berry powder and tea in bamboo trunks.
• FPOs & Farmer Connect: Under MoAFW’s FPO program, 54 FPOs launched in 2020–21, with 220 more planned, benefiting almost 41,000 individuals by May 26, 2025.
• Skill-Building & Technology: Training for agri, rubber, and food-processing entrepreneurs and a beekeeping initiative distributing 1,000 bee boxes across Nagaland, Assam, Meghalaya.
• Agarwood Exports: Deregulation increased quotas six-fold (chips from 25,000 kg to 1,51,080 kg; oil from 1,050 kg to 7,050 kg) and streamlining permission processes via DGFT in January 2025.

Social Development:

Healthcare

Assam is on track to host South Asia’s largest cancer-care network:

• Phase 1: Eight hospitals (Dibrugarh, Kokrajhar, Barpeta, Darrang, Tezpur, Lakhimpur, Jorhat, Itanagar) operational.
• Phase 2: Seven new hospitals (Dhubri, Nalbari, Goalpara, Nagaon, Sivasagar, Tinsukia, Golaghat) under development.
• Plus, 15 new medical colleges are being launched in Assam.

Literacy Success

On May 20, 2025, Mizoram became India’s first fully literate state. Building upon a literacy rate of 91.33% in 2011, the state achieved universal literacy through the ULLAS–Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme).

SDG Dashboard

In partnership with NITI Aayog and UNDP, MDoNER launched the first-ever district-level SDG dashboard for the NER, covering 103 districts on social, economic, infrastructural, and environmental indicators.

Culture and Heritage Preservation

• Moidams of Assam: In July 2024, the mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty was listed as a UNESCO cultural property.
• Rani Gaidinliu Museum (Manipur): Dedicated to the tribal freedom fighter.
• Sivasagar Museum Project (Assam): Ongoing site-based development.
• Tourism-Focused PPP Projects: One iconic site in each state is being developed through central, state, and private partnerships.
• Lachit Borphukan Anniversary (2022): Marked the 400th birthday of the Assamese hero with national celebration.
• Handloom & Handicraft Initiatives: NEHHDC launched an e-commerce portal (Purbashree.com) in 2021, a mobile sales outlet (“Purbashree on Wheels”), a textile testing lab, a calendaring unit, and is recognized as a training partner and incubator under ASPIRE. Expansion of infrastructure and facilities is scheduled through December 2025.
• Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav (Dec 6–8, 2024): A festival showcasing textiles, tourism, and GI products from all eight states. It generated project proposals valued at Rs 2,500 crore.

Silk Industry:

• Assam’s Eri Silk Plant: Located in Mushalpur, Baksa, the facility processes 200 kg/day and employs 375 workers, supporting ~2,500 households.
• Digital Traceability: A new authentication network connects 10,000 weavers across seven Northeastern states.

Conclusion

Once sidelined in India’s growth narrative, the Northeastern Region has emerged as a pillar of national progress. Over the last eleven years, comprehensive policy focus, major investments, and strategic institutions (e.g., PM‑DevINE, NEDFi, NEHHDC, NERAMAC) have powered this turnaround. The region is now a model of inclusive development—driven by peace, connectivity, livelihood expansion, social welfare, and cultural preservation. With robust foundational work, record budget allocations, and surging investor interest, the Northeast is no longer merely catching up—it is becoming a driving force in India’s commitment to balanced, people-centered growth.