Eight HLTFs Focus on Priority Sectors
On 31 January 2025, DoNER set up eight HLTFs to formulate strategies and recommendations in targeted sectors: Agriculture and Horticulture; Sports Promotion; Tourism; Handlooms & Handicrafts; Economic Corridor Development; Self-Reliance in Animal-based Essential Proteins; Investment Promotion; and Infrastructure & Connectivity.
So far, the HLTFs have met 23 times. Each Task Force functions for the entire NER and is convened by the Chief Minister or Governor of a participating state. Membership includes three Chief Ministers from other North Eastern states and the Minister of DoNER, creating a high-level inter-governmental platform to resolve bottlenecks and synchronise state and central priorities.
Poorvottar Vikas Setu: A Single-Window for Projects
DoNER’s Poorvottar Vikas Setu portal serves as a comprehensive single-window digital system where State governments and central agencies can upload concept notes and detailed project reports (DPRs). The portal standardises submission, enables inter-ministerial consultations and supports faster appraisal by cutting manual paperwork and consolidating stakeholders on one platform.
Beyond intake, the portal tracks project status, records replies to queries, processes fund release requests and allows integrated monitoring of implementation milestones. This transparency is intended to reduce duplication, avoid conflicting approvals and accelerate timely execution of projects across the region.
Digital Convergence with PM GatiShakti
DoNER is aligning project submissions with the PM GatiShakti portal to ensure spatial convergence and pre-approval scrutiny. Using GatiShakti, concept notes are checked for duplication, and pre-existing infrastructure plans are reconciled to optimise investments. The combined use of Poorvottar Vikas Setu and PM GatiShakti is designed to enhance planning accuracy and enable post-completion reviews.
Vibrant Villages and Targeted Interventions
The Ministry of Home Affairs has identified Vibrant Villages in the North Eastern States for integrated development under the Vibrant Villages Programme. DoNER reports that these interventions prioritise infrastructure creation, livelihood support and improved service delivery to strengthen border and remote communities.
DoNER officials said the coordinated approach ensures that village-level plans are dovetailed with larger corridor, tourism and connectivity projects, thereby multiplying the developmental impact.
Inter-State Coordination: Structure and Practice
Inter-state coordination is managed through structured consultations where the Convener State collates inputs from all participating states. This institutional mechanism aims to settle cross-border issues, streamline resource sharing and sequence infrastructure activities that have multi-state implications, such as economic corridors and connectivity projects.
By leveraging Chief Ministers and Governors in leadership roles, the HLTFs provide political ownership at the highest levels, enhancing the likelihood of implementation and follow-through.
Why This Matters for NER
The North Eastern Region faces distinctive challenges complex terrain, dispersed populations and infrastructure deficits. A combined strategy of high-level coordination and digital project management addresses both policy and procedural constraints. Faster appraisal, transparent tracking and cross-sectoral convergence can reduce delays and ensure funds reach execution on the ground.
DoNER’s approach underscores a shift from project silos to an integrated model that connects village interventions, corridor development, tourism promotion and investment promotion within a single, monitorable framework.
