The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has disclosed that ₹1506.02 crore has been sanctioned in the last ten years for infrastructure development in Sikkim under various schemes. This announcement came in response to a query by Lok Sabha MP Dr. Indra Hang Subba.
This funding is in addition to the mandatory allocation of 10% of the Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) from central ministries to the North Eastern Region (NER) for ensuring basic services and infrastructure development.
Over the past five years, ₹39,827.6 crore has been spent on developing educational institutions in the NER. Of the total sanctioned funds of ₹14,713.93 crore by the Ministry during the same period, ₹1519.01 crore, or 10.32%, was allocated specifically for educational development. MP Dr. Subba acknowledged that the allocation for education exceeds the national average but voiced concerns about the insufficient investment in research.
The Ministry revealed that ₹65.65 crore has been approved for 18 entrepreneurial projects over the last five years. Additionally, ₹2.99 crore was spent on organising the North Eastern Region Entrepreneurship Summit East (NERES) 1.0 to encourage entrepreneurship.
However, spending on research in the region has been modest, with only ₹27.11 crore allocated for three projects under the Scheme of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in the last five years. Dr. Subba stressed the importance of increased investment in research and innovation, calling it critical for national progress and technological advancement.
“While the allocation for education in the NER is commendable, spending on research remains minimal and demands greater attention. Without substantial investment in research and innovation, a nation cannot aspire to be a global leader,” Dr. Subba remarked.
The figures underscore the government’s efforts to enhance infrastructure and education in the NER while emphasising the need for a more balanced approach, particularly in fostering research and entrepreneurship
