Why in news?
The North Eastern Council (NEC), the apex regional planning body for north‑eastern India, convened its 73rd plenary session in Shillong on 4 June 2026. The meeting reviewed ongoing projects, discussed the North East Vision Plan 2047 and explored ways to accelerate tourism, agriculture and infrastructure development in the region.
Background
The NEC was established by the North Eastern Council Act of 1971 and formally constituted in 1972. After amendments in 2002, the Union Home Minister serves as the ex‑officio chairman and the Minister of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) as the vice‑chairman. The governors and chief ministers of the eight member states – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura – sit on the council along with three members nominated by the President of India. The council provides a platform for joint planning and funding of regional projects.
NEC’s functions include formulating regional plans for economic and social development, recommending priority projects for central assistance, reviewing implementation and promoting inter‑state coordination. Over the decades it has funded roads, power projects, water supply schemes, education and health infrastructure across the region. The council also supports studies and capacity building to remove development bottlenecks.
Highlights of the 73rd plenary
- Leadership and participation: The session was chaired by the Union Home Minister. Governors, chief ministers and senior officials from all eight states attended, demonstrating the spirit of cooperative federalism.
- Focus areas: The agenda included discussions on tourism promotion, agricultural diversification, investment facilitation, skill development, border trade and connectivity. The council reviewed progress under ongoing central schemes and examined proposals for the North East Vision Plan 2047.
- Vision Plan 2047: The new vision document seeks to transform the region into a hub for green energy, organic farming and sustainable tourism by 2047. It emphasises improved road, rail and digital connectivity, promotion of local handicrafts and cultural industries and better disaster resilience.
- Infrastructure projects: Updates were given on key infrastructure projects funded by the NEC, including upgradation of national highways, bridges and airstrips, and development of hydropower and renewable energy.
Conclusion
The North Eastern Council plays a crucial role in bringing the eight north‑eastern states together to plan and implement development projects. The 73rd plenary highlighted renewed commitment to infrastructure, tourism and sustainable livelihoods. Continued collaboration among states and the central government will be vital to realise the region’s vast potential by 2047.