Centre Allocates Rs 13,000 Crore for Tribal Empowerment in Northeast

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced that the Centre has allocated Rs 13,000 crore in the budget for the empowerment of tribal communities in the Northeast. This marks a 200 per cent increase since 2014-15. The funds aim to boost economic, industrial, and agricultural growth, alongside enhancing rural infrastructure and MSME support.

Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday declared that the Centre has earmarked Rs 13,000 crore in the latest budget for the empowerment of tribal communities in the Northeastern states.

This funding reflects a 200 per cent increase compared to the 2014-15 fiscal year.

'The budget allocation for tribal empowerment has surged nearly by 200 per cent, reaching Rs 13,000 crore. This considerable sum is intended to benefit the tribal communities,' Sonowal stated during a press conference.

Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, Sonowal described the Northeastern region as 'Ashtalakshmi' and the 'new engine of India's growth,' set to gain significantly from the budget with a focus on economic, industrial, and agricultural empowerment.

'Our initiatives are aimed at tapping the immense potential of the Northeast as a natural farming and horticulture hub,' he added.

Among other allocations, Rs 598 crore has been set aside for eco-friendly sustainable agriculture, addressing climate change impacts, soil erosion, and pest infestations to enhance agricultural productivity.

The budget also aims to boost the manufacturing and services sector, particularly supporting MSMEs through the MUDRA scheme to stimulate entrepreneurial activity and job creation. A new credit guarantee scheme is also planned to bolster MSME growth.

In terms of infrastructure, the budget includes major funding for the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana's phase IV, enhancing road connectivity in remote areas, including the Northeast.

'Since 2014, the PMGSY has already delivered 3,482 km of roads across Meghalaya, costing Rs 2,310.76 crore. An additional Rs 2.66 lakh crore is designated for rural development, amplifying infrastructure development in the Northeast,' Sonowal concluded.