It is sad to note that utilisation of funds for schemes implemented by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has registered a sharp decline in recent years. As prominently reported on the front page in the Saturday edition of this newspaper, utilisation of funds for schemes implemented by the Ministry of DoNER has come down drastically. Compared to the 100 per cent utilisation of DoNER funds for three consecutive years from 2019-20 to 2021-22, the utilisation in the financial years of 2022-23 and 2023-24 has come down to only 40.42% and 33.55%, respectively. The news story has quoted a statement from DoNER, according to which funds meant for various development projects and schemes for the North-eastern Region could not be utilised fully during 2022-23 and 2023-24 for multiple factors. The most important reason cited is the resolution of issues faced during the transition to a new system of accounting/funds transfer adopted from April 1, 2022. It has also been pointed out that utilisation of allocated funds was also hampered due to delays in project implementation by the different state governments and other implementation agencies because of the short working season on account of inclement weather conditions. Another reason cited is the difficulties in transportation of men and material due to difficult terrain. Land acquisition issues have also stood in the way of proper and timely utilisation of funds, apart from delays in submission of demand and claims by the different state governments. It is a matter of concern that the Ministry of DoNER had failed to foresee these problems for two consecutive years. Simultaneously, the different state governments too must share the blame for poor utilisation of funds. The honourable MPs from the region too have a responsibility to monitor the DoNER projects.