The North East Region has essentially depended on Central funding for development works. Despite the facts that the per-capita plan outlays of the NE states over a period has increased yet states still rank significantly below the national average in so far as the development of infrastructure is concerned. In the Year 1998-99, the union budget approved the proposal for fund under Non-lapsable Central Pool of Resources. Accordingly the competent authority in respect of quality control, material Specifications and maintenance in order to ensure the implementation of works and maintenance thereof, to proper standards, has published certain guidelines which are periodically reviewed and updated.

These guidelines are extensively used by Water Resources Department for preparation, implementation and maintenance of project in Assam.