Compared to other parts of India, the North East faces many difficulties in terms of its growth and project execution, mainly because of its topographical challenges. However, thanks to the associations in place, which have worked tirelessly over the last few decades and significantly improved the growth curve for these states, one such organisation is the North Eastern Council, abbreviated as NEC.
Instituted under the North Eastern Council Act of 1971, the NEC is the nodal body in charge of the social and economic development of the North Eastern states, including even Sikkim. Headquartered in Shillong, Meghalaya, it functions as an important body under the Government of India’s Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (DONER). Looking back at its history, it has had an amazing journey from its inception and has often won praise for its research and work. This year marked the Golden Jubilee of this functioning body, whose grand celebration was organised in Shillong this week.
It was attended by the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, Minister of Home Affairs of India, Amit Shah, the Union Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Development of the North-Eastern Region (DoNER), G. Kishan Reddy, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma, Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju, and Nagaland Chief Minister Nephiu Rio, along with other eminent MLAs, governors, and officials. During this event, Narendra Modi laid the foundation stones for various projects, with an investment of around Rs 2450 crore. In addition, he also released a special commemorative volume, “Golden Footprints,” that traces NEC’s journey and earmarks its contribution over the last 50 years.
Appreciating the efforts made by NEC and looking forward to the road ahead, the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, Brig. (Dr.) BD Mishra (Retd.) said, “With the development of NEC as a futuristic resource centre for the management of capital, innovation, knowledge, and expertise, the Council will achieve its objectives and also give impetus to the ‘Act East’ policy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji.”
