Guwahati: Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Rs 1,500-crore budget allotment for the development of the North-East region has spread cheer among locals.

The scheme, Prime Minister's Development Initiative for NorthEast, PM-DevINE, will be implemented through the North-Eastern Council. It will fund infrastructure, in the spirit of PM GatiShakti, and social development projects based on the needs of the North-East. It will enable livelihood activities for youth and women, filling the gaps in various sectors.

It will not be a substitute for the existing central or state schemes. While the central ministries may also come up with their projects, priority will be given to those posed by the states.

The government has identified eight projects at a budget of Rs 963 crore and the remaining will be identified soon. Border villages with sparse population and connectivity on northern borders will be covered under Vibrant Village Programme.