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Business Standard
5 days ago
- General
- Business Standard
85% Northeastern districts are top SDG performers, says NITI Aayog
The share of districts in the eight Northeastern states — falling under the 'front runner' category for achieving sustainable development goals (SDG) — has increased to 85 per cent in 2023-24 from 62 per cent in 2021-22, according to the NITI Aayog. 'This signifies the impact of the national flagship schemes coupled with the localisation efforts of states and saturation of benefits through initiatives like the aspirational districts programme,' noted NITI Aayog in its latest 'Northeastern region district SDG index' report released on Monday. A district is categorised as 'front runner' if it has a score between 65 and 99 in the SDG index. If it has a score of between 50 and 64.9, it is categorised as 'performer'. The index is a joint effort of the ministry of development of Northeastern region (MDoNER) and NITI Aayog – with technical support from the United Nations development programme (UNDP). The index is first of its kind progress tracking tool for the Northeastern region as it provides a granular, district level assessment of progress made on the 17 SDGs. The first edition of the region's district SDG index was released in August 2021. While the first edition of the index covered 103 of 120 (86 per cent) districts of the region, this edition covers 121 out of 131 (92 per cent) districts. The present edition of the index has 84 indicators. Of the 84 indicators, data for 41 indicators is from various ministries/departments of the Union government and that for 43 indicators is from state sources.
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
85% districts in North East achieve Front Runner status in SDGs: NITI Aayog
The share of districts in the eight north-eastern states falling under the 'Front Runner' category for achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) has increased to 85 per cent in 2023-24, up from 62 per cent in 2021-22, according to NITI Aayog. 'This signifies the impact of national flagship schemes, coupled with the localisation efforts of the states and the saturation of benefits through initiatives like the Aspirational Districts Programme,' noted NITI Aayog in its latest 'North Eastern Region District SDG Index' report released on Monday. A district is categorised as 'Front Runner' if it has a score between 65 and 99 in the SDG index. If a district has a score between 50 and 64.9, it is categorised as 'Performer'. Although the share of 'Front Runner' districts improved under all SDGs, the share of 'Front Runner' districts in three SDGs—namely SDG-7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG-10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG-12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)—has decreased in 2023-24 compared to 2021-22. The report also showed that all districts in three north-eastern states—Mizoram, Sikkim, and Tripura—fell under the 'Front Runner' category. The index is a joint effort of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and NITI Aayog, with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The index is the first of its kind progress-tracking tool for the north-eastern region, as it provides a granular, district-level assessment of progress made on the 17 SDGs. The first edition of the NER District SDG Index was released in August 2021. While the first edition of the index covered 103 out of 120 (86 per cent) districts of the North Eastern Region, this edition covers 121 out of 131 (92 per cent) districts. The current edition of the index includes 84 indicators. Of these, data for 41 indicators is from various ministries/departments of the Union Government, and data for 43 indicators is from state sources.
Indian Express
17-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
After Rajiv Gauba's entry, NITI Aayog moved key security, infra, and energy ministries under him
Marking a major shift in power within NITI Aayog, key security, infrastructure, and energy ministries have been moved under former Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, who was appointed full-time Member on March 25, documents accessed by The Indian Express show. Gauba — once the most powerful IAS officer in the country — now oversees 17 ministries and departments, the highest among his colleagues at India's apex public policy think tank chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He is followed by Arvind Virmani (11), VK Paul (10), VK Saraswat (9), Ramesh Chand (6), and Vice Chairperson Suman Bery (5). NITI Aayog Members play an important role in assisting the Centre design policies and schemes. Prior to the reshuffle on April 4, Bery held a total of eight portfolios — Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Cabinet Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), Ministry of Tourism, and Ministry of Culture. Now, Bery holds five portfolios, with MHA and personnel ministry transferred to Gauba, who has earlier served as Union Home Secretary between 2017 and 2019. The Cabinet Affairs portfolio was removed altogether, and MDoNER transferred to Saraswat. Bery, who signed off on the new allocations, also got the Department of Economic Affairs under the Ministry of Finance. Gauba, who has been India's longest serving Cabinet Secretary — for five years between August 2019 and 2024, the entirety of PM Modi's second term — received a total of nine allocations previously under Saraswat, the oldest NITI Aayog Member since 2015. These include ministries of defence, coal, power, new and renewable energy, petroleum and natural gas, railways, civil aviation, road transport and highways, and ports, shipping and waterways. The NITI Aayog did not respond to requests for comment. In addition to MDoNER transferred from Bery, Saraswat, former head of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), retained ministries of earth sciences, science and technology, communications, electronics and information technology, mines, and heavy industries. He has also been given previously unallocated departments of atomic energy and space. From Virmani — NITI's most recent Member before Gauba, appointed in 2022 — the ministries of external affairs and housing and urban affairs were reassigned to Gauba, who had earlier served as Union Housing Secretary. Despite the transfer, Virmani's portfolio expanded from nine to eleven, as he retained the Department of Commerce and the ministries of finance (excluding the Department of Economic Affairs), statistics and programme implementation, overseas Indian affairs, labour and employment, corporate affairs, and skill development and entrepreneurship. Virmani also gained the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the ministries of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), steel, and textiles — all previously under Saraswat. He earlier served as Chief Economic Advisor to the finance ministry (2007–2009) and after that as an Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), representing India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan. Gauba was also transferred ministries of consumer affairs, food and public distribution, rural development, panchayati raj, and environment, forest and climate change from Chand, Member since 2015. Chand retained ministries of agriculture and farmers' welfare and food processing industries, and departments of chemicals and fertilizers. He also received charge of previously unallocated ministries of cooperation and animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries. Chand, previously Chairperson of the Institute of Economic Growth and Member of the Fifteenth Finance Commission, also lost ministries of jal shakti and youth affairs and sports to Paul, who retained all of his earlier allocations. These include the Department of Pharmaceuticals and ministries of health and family welfare, ayush, women and child development, education, social justice and empowerment, minority affairs, and tribal affairs. Paul, a renowned public health expert and former faculty at AIIMS, New Delhi, was appointed NITI Member in 2017. The Ministry of Law and Justice was also moved out of Chand's portfolio. As per the April 4 order, NITI Aayog's Law Vertical was reallocated to CEO BVR Subrahmanyam. The CEO retained authority over work relating to the State Support Mission and the Voluntary Action Cell, which deals with increasing engagement between civil society groups and the government. In addition, Subrahmanyam was also entrusted with key flagship initiatives, like the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) and the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP), and work relating to the Governing Council Secretariat and Coordination. He was appointed CEO in February 2023. As per the April 4 order, NITI programme directors (PD) must first route Cabinet Notes to the concerned Member for inputs, then to the CEO, who forwards them to the Vice Chairperson for final approval. The last major reshuffling of portfolios happened in December 2022, soon after Virmani joined NITI Aayog as Member. Aggam Walia is a Correspondent at The Indian Express, reporting on power, renewables, and mining. His work unpacks intricate ties between corporations, government, and policy, often relying on documents sourced via the RTI Act. Off the beat, he enjoys running through Delhi's parks and forests, walking to places, and cooking pasta. ... Read More Harikishan Sharma, Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express' National Bureau, specializes in reporting on governance, policy, and data. He covers the Prime Minister's Office and pivotal central ministries, such as the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Ministry of Cooperation, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ministry of Rural Development, and Ministry of Jal Shakti. His work primarily revolves around reporting and policy analysis. In addition to this, he authors a weekly column titled "STATE-ISTICALLY SPEAKING," which is prominently featured on The Indian Express website. In this column, he immerses readers in narratives deeply rooted in socio-economic, political, and electoral data, providing insightful perspectives on these critical aspects of governance and society. ... Read More
Mint
25-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
Northeast secures ₹4.3 trillion investment proposals at MDoNER Summit
New Delhi: The Rising North East Summit, held on 23–24 May by the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (MDoNER), has attracted investment proposals worth ₹ 4.3 trillion, following a series of roadshows across nine Indian cities and engagements with major corporates, public sector undertakings, and foreign governments. In a statement released on 25 May, MDoNER said it has been holding extensive discussions with various stakeholders, including ambassadors, diplomats, and investors to promote investment opportunities in the Northeast. These included 'Ambassadors' Meets' involving representatives from over 95 countries, six state-focused roundtables, six sector-specific industry interactions, and multiple consultations with PSUs, business chambers, and corporate houses. 'These discussions have borne real fruit in the form of ₹ 4.3 lakh crore worth of investment proposals,' said Jyotiraditya Scindia, minister for communications and development of the north eastern region. On the summit's opening day, business leaders including Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani, Adani Group chairperson Gautam Adani, and Vedanta chairman Anil Agarwal announced plans to invest more than ₹ 1.55 trillion in the region. Mint had reported on 14 May that the government was targeting cumulative proposals of ₹ 2.5–3 trillion, figures now surpassed by the summit's final tally. To ensure effective implementation, MDoNER has set up eight sectoral task forces focusing on agriculture, sports, investment promotion, tourism, economic corridors, infrastructure, textiles and handicrafts, and animal husbandry. Each northeastern state will also develop its own sectoral roadmap, Scindia said. 'We will continue B2G and B2B dialogues, with MDoNER acting as a bridge between investors and state governments to ensure rapid conversion of proposals into on-ground projects,' he added. Read this | Sukanta Majumdar, minister of state for DoNER, highlighted the region's infrastructure gains over the past decade. 'National highways in the region have grown from 10,905 km in 2014 to 16,207 km in 2024. Power capacity has risen by 694.5 megawatts, and over 10,000 circuit kilometers of transmission and distribution lines have been added. The number of operational airports has nearly doubled—from nine in 2014 to 17 in 2024,' he said. Scindia also underlined the Northeast's historical economic importance. 'For six decades after Independence, successive governments failed to recognize the vast potential of this land—which once contributed nearly 20% to India's GDP,' he said. 'The ₹ 4.3 lakh crore (trillion) investment pipeline can help transform it into an economic powerhouse.' The proposed investments will be spread across all eight Northeastern states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. Scindia added that the region also holds strategic potential as a gateway to Southeast Asia. At the summit's curtain raiser earlier this month, MDoNER had shared a breakdown of 732 investment proposals worth ₹ 1.12 lakh crore already in the pipeline: Arunachal Pradesh: ₹ 24,338 crore (77 proposals), Assam: ₹ 38,685 crore (106 proposals), Manipur: ₹ 2,919 crore (39 proposals), Meghalaya: ₹ 14,753 crore (110 proposals), Mizoram: ₹ 5,111 crore (75 proposals), Nagaland: ₹ 8,671 crore (82 proposals), Sikkim: ₹ 6,747 crore (110 proposals), and Tripura: ₹ 11,755 crore (132 proposals).
India Gazette
25-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Stage is set for northeast Indian states to rise with Rs 4.3 lakh crore investment proposals
New Delhi [India], May 25 (ANI): The very first edition of 'Rising North East Investors Summit 2025', organised by the central government with an aim to highlight northeastern region as a land of opportunity, drew a whopping Rs 4.3 lakh crore in investment intention, setting the stage for these states to become India's next economic powerhouse. This is the first investment summit organised on this scale since the inception of the Ministry of the Department of North Eastern Region (MDoNER). Industry leaders, including Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, Gautam Adani, Chairperson of Adani Group, and Anil Agarwal, Chairman of Vedanta, collectively announced investments worth more than Rs 155,000 crore to explore opportunities in the region during the event's inauguration ceremony, on Friday morning, in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to a statement from MDoNER, Mukesh Ambani pledged Rs 75,000 crore over the next five years, targeting agriculture, telecommunications, digital services, and local enterprise development. Gautam Adani announced an additional Rs 50,000 crore investment over the next decade, and Anil Agarwal announced more than Rs 30,000 crore investment in the northeast Indian states. 'I reaffirm our promise: every MoU, every proposal discussed here will be pursued relentlessly. The Northeast Region, our NER, now embarks on a journey of New Economic Revolution, a New Economic Revival -- where it will emerge as India's International Gateway to Southeast Asia,' said the Union Minister of DoNER, Jyotiraditya Scindia, in his concluding remarks on Saturday afternoon. The investment summit hosted ministerial sessions, Business-to-Government sessions, Business-to-Business meetings, startups, and exhibitions of policy and related initiatives taken by state governments and central ministries for investment promotion. The two-day Summit is the culmination of various pre-summit activities, such as a series of roadshows and states' roundtables, including the Ambassador's Meet and the Bilateral Chambers Meet, organised by the central government with active support from the state governments of the northeastern region. The pre-summit roadshows were held in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Guwahati, and New Delhi, among others. In the inaugural ceremony of the summit held on Friday, the Prime Minister highlighted that over the past decade, Rs 21,000 crore has been invested in the Northeast's education sector. He noted key developments, including the establishment of over 800 new schools, the region's first AIIMS, nine new medical colleges, and two new IIITs. The Prime Minister assured that the Northeast now offers top-tier talent across various sectors, encouraging industries and investors to leverage the region's immense potential. The prime minister noted that a whole new sky of possibilities is opening up for the northeastern states. He also cited a few initiatives taken by his government to improve trade linkages with neighbouring countries. 'In the coming decade, the trade potential of the Northeast is set to grow manifold,' PM Modi had said. Noting that the trade volume between Indian and ASEAN countries is around USD 125 billion, the prime minister said it will surpass USD 200 billion in the next decade, and the Northeast will become a strong bridge for this trade. Once fully operational, the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway will establish direct connectivity to Thailand through Myanmar. This will ease India's connectivity with countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. 'Our government is also working swiftly to complete the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project, which will connect the Kolkata Port to Sittwe Port in Myanmar, and further link the rest of the Northeast via Mizoram. This will significantly reduce the distance between West Bengal and Mizoram and prove to be a major boon for industry and trade,' PM Modi said. The northeast region's GSDP at current prices is Rs 9.26 lakh crore in 2023-24. GSDP of NER states grew at a CAGR of 10.8 per cent, from 2014-15 to 2021-22 (against the national average of 8.1 per cent). (ANI)
