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73rd NEC Plenary Meeting

Kumari Sonali

73rd NEC Plenary Meeting:

The 73rd Plenary Meeting of the North Eastern Council (NEC) outlined a comprehensive, multi-sectoral development strategy, emphasizing the Ministry of Development of North-East Region (DoNER) transition into a pivotal facilitator for regional growth aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

  • Eight High-Level Task Forces, constituted after the 72nd NEC Plenary, submitted action plans on investment promotion, agriculture and horticulture, handicrafts, infrastructure and connectivity, economic corridors, livestock and fisheries, sports, and tourism.
  • A proposal has been initiated to establish a High-Level Steering Committee (comprising Union Ministers and relevant Chief Ministers) to strictly monitor the execution of the task force recommendations.
  • Grassroots financial penetration has rapidly accelerated with the integration of 6,500 previously unbanked villages, consequently driving the region’s digital payment adoption via UPI to nearly 90%.
  • Development of iconic, high-yield geographical circuits is prioritized, specifically highlighting the Matabari Tourism Circuit (Tripura) and the Sohra Tourism Circuit (Meghalaya) to catalyze sustainable local livelihoods.
  • Soft diplomacy and scientific temper are being institutionalized through the Ashtalakshmi Darshan Student Exchange Programme and strategic ISRO exposure visits for regional youth.
  • Under One State One Product (OSOP) initiative, states are promoting unique products such as Lakadong Turmeric (Meghalaya), Muga Silk (Assam), Kiwi (Arunachal Pradesh), Queen Pineapple (Tripura), and Organic Farming (Sikkim) to strengthen exports and local incomes.
  • The Ministry of DoNER is operating under the Three-C framework of Connect, Converge, and Catalyse to accelerate regional policy implementation.
  • DoNER’s expenditure increased from around Rs 1,000 crore in 2022-23 to a budget allocation of Rs 6,500 crore for FY 2026-27, reflecting greater focus on North East development.
  • The Rising North East Investment Summit generated investment commitments worth Rs 4.5 lakh crore.
    North Eastern Council (NEC)
  • The NEC is a statutory body established under the North Eastern Council Act, 1971, and functions under the administrative control of the MDoNER.
  • It serves as the nodal agency for the economic and social development of the North Eastern Region, comprising Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura.
  • The Council consists of the Governors and Chief Ministers of all eight member states along with three members nominated by the President of India.
  • The Union Home Minister serves as the ex-officio Chairman, while the Minister of State (Independent Charge), DoNER acts as the ex-officio Vice-Chairman of the Council.