Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday reviewed proposed infrastructure projects under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DeVINE). He directed officials to prioritise essential infrastructure and ensure balanced geographical development across the state.
During the meeting, the Public Works Department (PWD) presented proposals covering roads, health, education and building infrastructure. The Chief Minister examined the proposed projects and discussed their priorities with the concerned departments.
Sarma instructed officials to identify high-priority projects that could address important infrastructure gaps across different parts of Assam. He emphasised that project selection should ensure balanced geographical coverage rather than concentrate development in a few locations.
He also asked departments to accelerate the preparation of Concept Notes and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). These documents are essential for moving proposals through the approval process and ensuring timely implementation.
Roads, Healthcare and Education Among Key Priorities
The proposed infrastructure projects cover several important sectors. These include the construction and improvement of key roads and bridges, medical colleges, university buildings, school infrastructure and working women’s hostels.
Road connectivity remains a major priority because it supports economic activity and improves access to essential services. Better roads and bridges can also connect remote communities with healthcare, education and employment opportunities.
Similarly, investments in medical colleges and healthcare infrastructure could strengthen Assam’s medical education system and improve access to healthcare facilities.
The proposals also include university and school buildings. These projects aim to support educational infrastructure and provide students with better learning environments.
Working women’s hostels form another important part of the proposed development plans. Such facilities can support women who move to towns and cities for education or employment.
By covering multiple sectors, the proposed projects seek to address different development requirements across Assam.
CM Directs Departments to Expedite Project Reports
During the review, Sarma placed particular emphasis on speeding up the preparation of project documents.
He directed the concerned departments to expedite their Concept Notes and Detailed Project Reports. Delays at the proposal stage can affect the approval process and postpone the implementation of important infrastructure projects.
The Chief Minister also instructed officials to follow PM-DeVINE guidelines strictly. This will help ensure that proposed projects meet the scheme’s requirements and move forward through the appropriate procedures.
The focus on project documentation and compliance reflects the government’s effort to improve planning and execution. Departments must identify priority needs, prepare detailed proposals and ensure that projects deliver meaningful benefits.
The government also aims to strengthen coordination between departments so that proposals can progress without unnecessary delays.
Understanding the PM-DeVINE Initiative
The Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region is a Central Sector Scheme announced in the Union Budget 2022-23. The Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (MDoNER) implements the scheme.
The initiative aims to address development gaps across the northeastern states through infrastructure creation and social development projects.
It supports projects that can improve connectivity, strengthen public infrastructure and create livelihood opportunities. The scheme also focuses on supporting economic activities for women and young people.
The original approved outlay for the 2022-23 to 2025-26 period stood at Rs 6,600 crore. The scheme provides 100 per cent central funding for eligible projects.
Its broader objective is to promote faster and more balanced development across the Northeast. It also seeks to improve infrastructure in areas where existing facilities remain inadequate.
Assam Focuses on Balanced Regional Development
The latest review highlights Assam’s efforts to use central development initiatives to address infrastructure requirements across the state.
Balanced geographical coverage remains important because different districts face different development challenges. While urban centres require improved public facilities, rural and remote areas need better connectivity and access to essential services.
The proposed projects could contribute to these objectives if departments complete the necessary preparations and secure the required approvals.
However, their progress will depend on the quality of project planning, coordination between departments and timely execution.
The Chief Minister’s directions underline the importance of identifying genuine priorities and following the prescribed guidelines.
With the review of proposed PM-DeVINE projects, the Assam government has renewed its focus on strengthening roads, healthcare, education and other essential infrastructure. The next stage will involve completing project reports and moving eligible proposals towards approval and implementation.