Overview
- The North Eastern Council (NEC) was created as a statutory advisory body under the NEC Act, 1971.
- It serves as the nodal regional planning body for the economic and social development of the North Eastern Region (NER).
- Functions primarily as a platform for inter-state coordination, regional prioritization, and development planning.
Composition
- Members include:
- Governors of all North Eastern states
- Chief Ministers of all North Eastern states
- Three members nominated by the President of India
- This structure ensures both political leadership and regional representation in decision-making.
Administrative Structure
- Works under the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (MDoNER).
- Union Home Minister acts as the ex-officio Chairman of the NEC.
- Minister of State (Independent Charge), DoNER serves as the Vice-Chairman.
Mandate and Functions
- Prepares a regional plan for the eight North Eastern states, with emphasis on:
- Schemes and projects that benefit two or more states
- Inter-state transport, communication, infrastructure, and connectivity
- For Sikkim, NEC is empowered to formulate specific projects tailored to the state’s needs.
- Plays an advisory and coordinating role, not a direct implementing authority.
North Eastern Council (NEC)
