Amid Northeast Fund Row, What Data from 22 Budgets Show About UPA vs NDA Spending

New Delhi: A recent analysis of 22 Union Budgets from 2004-05 to 2025-26 highlights contrasting patterns in the allocation and utilisation of funds for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER). The findings have added fuel to an ongoing political row over under-utilised funds earmarked for the Northeast. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

UPA vs NDA: Overall Trends

During the Congress-led UPA era (2004-05 to 2013-14), the DoNER ministry was allocated a total of ₹15,478 crore under Budget Estimates and ₹15,136 crore under Revised Estimates. Actual expenditure stood at ₹14,719 crore, representing around 95% utilisation of Budget Estimates and 97% of Revised Estimates — indicating high fund absorption and execution. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

In contrast, under the BJP-led NDA governments (2014-15 to 2024-25), allocations have risen sharply — ₹36,107 crore in Budget Estimates and ₹31,503 crore under Revised Estimates — but actual spending was just ₹23,830 crore, showing a utilisation rate of around 66% against Budget Estimates and 75.6% against Revised Estimates. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Under-Utilisation Raises Concerns

The data suggests that while sanctioned outlays for the Northeast have grown significantly under the NDA, actual expenditure has lagged behind, raising questions about implementation and impact. In some years, especially recently, utilisation has dipped sharply, with 2023-24 showing particularly low spending relative to allocations. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Budget Estimates vs Revised Estimates

An examination of Budget vs Revised Estimates shows that in more than half of the 22 budgets, revised allocations were trimmed from their initial figures, which critics say points to an inability to absorb funds effectively even after reductions. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Political and Policy Implications

Opposition leaders and MPs have cited the under-utilisation as evidence of neglect towards Northeast development priorities, while defenders argue that increased sanctioning itself indicates greater intent. Debate continues over whether higher allocations are translating into tangible outcomes on the ground. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

The broader discussion underscores ongoing challenges in public finance, budget execution and regional development strategy across successive governments in India.