The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) has foreclosed five development projects in June 2026, taking the total number of foreclosed projects in the North Eastern Region to 112.

More About the News

• The North Eastern Region is strategically important for India’s Act East Policy, border security and regional connectivity. 
• To accelerate its socio-economic development, the MDoNER implements several infrastructure and development schemes. 
• The recent foreclosure of some projects highlights the need for better project planning, monitoring and timely implementation.

About the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER)

• MDoNER was established as a Department in 2001 and upgraded to a full-fledged Ministry in 2004.
• It is the only Union Ministry with territorial jurisdiction dedicated exclusively to the North Eastern Region (NER).
• The Ministry coordinates development programmes between the Central Government, State Governments and the North Eastern Council (NEC).
• It focuses on improving connectivity, infrastructure, education, healthcare, tourism, livelihood and economic development in the eight North Eastern States.

Key Highlights

• A total of 112 projects have been foreclosed by MDoNER so far.
• Of these, 68 projects belong to the Schemes of the North Eastern Council (NEC), while 44 projects are under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme – Other Than Roads (NESIDS-OTRI).
• Some projects were closed on an “as is, where is” basis, while others were foreclosed after receiving a full refund from the concerned State Governments.
• As of 30 June 2026, MDoNER has undertaken 3,764 development projects across the North Eastern Region.
• Assam has the highest number of ongoing projects (246), followed by Manipur (114).
• Out of 978 ongoing projects, 298 projects have achieved 100% physical completion, while 69 projects have achieved both 100% physical and financial completion.

Major Schemes Implemented by MDoNER

• North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) supports infrastructure development in sectors such as health, education, water supply and connectivity.
• North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme – Roads (NESIDS-Roads) focuses on improving road connectivity.
• North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme – Other Than Roads (NESIDS-OTRI) finances infrastructure other than roads.
• Schemes of the North Eastern Council (NEC) promote regional planning, connectivity and socio-economic development.
• Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) funds high-impact infrastructure and livelihood projects.
• Special Development Packages (SDPs) support region-specific developmental requirements.

Exam Hook – Prelims

Q. With reference to the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), consider the following statements:

1. It is the only Union Ministry with exclusive territorial jurisdiction over the North Eastern Region.
2. The Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) is implemented through MDoNER.
3. The North Eastern Council (NEC) functions as the regional planning and advisory body for the North Eastern Region.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 ✅
(d) 1 and 3 only

One-line Wrap

The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region remains the backbone of India’s development strategy in the North East, where efficient implementation of infrastructure projects is essential for achieving inclusive growth, regional connectivity and the vision of Act East Policy.