Scindia Chairs Key Meet on NE Development Plans

Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia led a high-level review to strengthen implementation of the 10% Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) for the Ashtalakshmi states, reinforcing the Centre’s commitment to a #ViksitNortheast through inter-ministerial coordination and MP engagement.

Highlights:

• Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia chaired the meeting on 24 July 2025 at the Parliament House Annexe.
• Focus on 10% GBS allocation for North Eastern states under the Ashtalakshmi initiative
• Participation of MoS Dr. Sukanta Majumdar and Northeast MPs
• Discussion on improving coordination, redressal, and developmental outcomes
• GBS utilization rates have exceeded 100% in several years since 2014
• Ministries with shortfalls being guided to meet targets
• MPs to play key role in identifying impactful local projects

Union Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, chaired a meeting of the Ministry of DoNER’s Consultative Committee on Thursday, 24 July 2025, at the Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi.

The meeting aimed to review progress and reinforce coordination under the 10% Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) mandated for the eight North Eastern states, also known as the Ashtalakshmi states. It saw participation from Union Minister of State for DoNER and Education, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, and various Members of Parliament representing the Northeast.

Shri Scindia emphasized the government‘s commitment to a whole-of-government approach for a #ViksitNortheast, aligning efforts with the Act East Policy. Key areas of discussion included boosting inter-ministerial collaboration, fast-tracking grievance redressal mechanisms, and ensuring that budgetary allocations convert into real development on the ground.

He shared encouraging trends in GBS utilization, revealing that average utilization rates have crossed 100% in several years, reaching as high as 114%. Ministries falling short of targets are being provided with guidance and realistic benchmarks, with particular focus on departments managing high-value projects.

The Minister stressed the pivotal role of elected MPs in identifying high-impact projects in their constituencies and assured that the Ministry would continue acting as a vital conduit between the Centre, states, and representatives to streamline developmental efforts across the region.