As anticipation mounts, the 72nd Plenary of the North Eastern Council (NEC) is set to unfold in a series of high-stakes sessions starting December 20, 2024. This year’s second gathering will commence with a pre-plenary technical session in Agartala, Tripura, a city brimming with historical significance as it hosts the plenary for only the second time since 2008.
In the Pre-Plenary Thematic and Technical Sessions session on December 20, central ministries will showcase their developmental agendas, illuminating the path forward for the North Eastern Region (NER). The main plenary, slated for the morning of December 21, 2024, will be presided over by the Union Home Minister and NEC Chairman, Shri Amit Shah, alongside DoNER Minister Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia and Minister of State Dr. Sukanta Majumdar. This session promises a confluence of strategic discussions, with two NEC members, the Governors, Chief Ministers, Chief Secretaries, and Planning Secretaries of the eight northeastern states, as well as high-ranking officials, participating actively.
The choice of Agartala for this important meeting underscores its evolving role in regional development. Historically, plenary sessions have predominantly been held in Shillong and Guwahati. However, Agartala’s selection highlights the dynamic nature of the NEC’s engagements and its commitment to fostering growth across all corners of the region.
Secretary of NEC, Shri Angshuman Dey, reflects on the significance of this plenary and the NEC’s role in regional development. He underscores the Prime Minister’s vision, where the NER is celebrated as ‘Ashta Lakshmi’—a symbol of immense potential and cultural richness. The NEC’s role has evolved significantly since its inception, transforming from an advisory body to a key regional planning agency. Yet, its core mission remains unchanged: to accelerate socio-economic development and ensure parity with the rest of the country through enhanced connectivity, capacity building, and investment in various sectors.
The NEC was established in 1971 and subsequent inauguration in Shillong in 1972 by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. This milestone marked a pivotal moment in the region’s planned and coordinated development. The council’s transformation, including the incorporation of Sikkim in 2002 and its designation as a Regional Planning Body, reflects its expanding mandate and growing importance.
The NEC’s remarkable achievements over the decades, from constructing over 11,500 kilometers of roads to boosting power generation and improving airport infrastructure. The council’s legacy includes foundational institutions such as the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) and the North Eastern Electrical Power Corporation (NEEPCO), among many others.
The ongoing initiatives and the introduction of the PM-devINE scheme further underscore the NEC’s pivotal role in realizing the Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision for the NER. As the 72nd Plenary approaches, the spotlight is firmly on the NEC’s continued efforts to harness the region’s vast potential and propel it toward unprecedented growth and development.
With the stage set and expectations high, the 72nd Plenary of the North Eastern Council promises to be a defining moment in the region’s journey toward a prosperous future.
