MPs argued that such gaps defeat the purpose of enhanced allocations meant to accelerate infrastructure and socio-economic growth in the region
KRC TIMES National Bureau
New Delhi : Members of Parliament across party lines voiced concern over what they described as significant under-utilisation of funds earmarked for the Northeast during a meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs.
The committee convened to examine the Demands for Grants for 2026-27 relating to the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER). During deliberations, several MPs flagged what they termed a worrying pattern of unspent allocations over successive financial years.
According to sources present at the meeting, MPs including Sanjay Raut, Supriya Sule, Derek O’Brien, and Naveen Jindal raised the issue, contending that funds allocated for development in the Northeastern states were not being fully utilised.
Members reportedly pointed out that in 2024-25, as much as 41 per cent of the budgetary allocation to DoNER remained unspent. In the ongoing 2025-26 fiscal, the unutilised portion was said to stand at 36 per cent. MPs argued that such gaps defeat the purpose of enhanced allocations meant to accelerate infrastructure and socio-economic growth in the region.
Sources said a letter was submitted to the committee chairperson by the Trinamool Congress, detailing concerns over both fund utilisation and scheme implementation.
The letter allegedly highlighted discrepancies between targets and actual beneficiaries under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, claiming that nearly 75 per cent of intended beneficiaries in the region remain uncovered. MPs urged closer scrutiny of scheme rollout mechanisms, especially in remote and conflict-affected districts.
The communication also reportedly pointed to a 25 per cent vacancy rate in sanctioned posts within the DoNER Ministry, arguing that staffing shortages could be contributing to delays in project execution and fund disbursal.
In addition, pending central disaster relief dues to West Bengal, amounting to approximately Rs 53,696 crore, were cited in the letter as an example of fiscal bottlenecks that require urgent attention.
Committee chairperson Radha Mohan Das Agrawal is understood to have directed Ministry officials present at the meeting to furnish detailed responses to the issues raised within three days.
Sources said the chairperson also informed members that the letter submitted by the TMC would be forwarded to the Union Home Ministry for its response. Officials were instructed to clarify the reasons for under-utilisation and outline corrective measures to ensure more efficient expenditure in the coming fiscal.
The panel also sought a separate, detailed note on fund utilisation in Manipur, reflecting concerns over the state’s ongoing challenges and the need for targeted developmental intervention.
As per the Union Budget, the allocation for the DoNER Ministry in 2026-27 stands at Rs 6,812.3 crore, marking a substantial increase over the revised estimate of Rs 4,479.2 crore for the previous fiscal.
Of the total outlay, Rs 2,500 crore has been earmarked for the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS), Rs 2,300 crore for the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE), and Rs 825 crore for schemes under the North East Council.
MPs emphasised that while higher allocations are welcome, actual implementation and timely utilisation remain critical. Several members reportedly underscored that unspent funds weaken the case for enhanced future allocations and undermine development commitments made to the region.
The committee is expected to take up the matter again after receiving the Ministry’s written responses.
