Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region Dr. Jitendra Singh has informed that in order to provide connectivity to remote areas and difficult terrains, helicopter services are in operation within the States of North East and also for inter-state services in the Region. Helicopter services are in operation in the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagland, Sikkim and Tripura under a subsidy scheme, of Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA). Under this scheme cost of operation after deducting recovery from passengers, is shared in the ratio of 75:25 between MHA and North Eastern States.
Under the scheme, Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd (PHHL), a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, is the major service provider in the North Eastern States. In addition, States also engages private helicopter services under the scheme.