NEC plenary session begins in Shillong; Amit Shah chairs key meeting
Shillong, June 4
The 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council commenced in Shillong, Meghalaya, on Thursday with Union Home Minister Amit Shah chairing the high-level meeting attended by chief ministers, governors and senior officials from across the eight northeastern states.
The plenary session, being held at the State Convention Centre in Shillong, is focusing on key issues related to regional development, connectivity, infrastructure, investment, tourism, power, education and inter-state cooperation in the Northeast.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared a photograph from the meeting on the social media platform X, describing HM Shah as the "Architect of Peace in modern India".
In his post, CM Sarma wrote: "Team North East with the Architect of Peace in modern India, Adarniya Amit Shah ji, the Chairman of North Eastern Council. 73rd Plenary of NEC, Shillong."
The meeting brings together the chief ministers and governors of Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Sikkim to deliberate on developmental priorities and review the progress of ongoing projects in the region.
Officials said the plenary is expected to discuss strategies for accelerating economic growth, improving connectivity and strengthening coordination among the northeastern states.
The council is also likely to review recommendations submitted by various sector-specific task forces constituted to identify growth opportunities and address developmental challenges in the region.
The annual plenary session serves as the apex policy-making forum of the North Eastern Council, enabling the Centre and the northeastern states to jointly chart development strategies and monitor the implementation of major projects.
Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M. Scindia wrote on his X handle, "United in our resolve to realise a stronger, more prosperous #RisingNortheast."
Earlier, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the meeting would focus on regional cooperation and the implementation of recommendations made by different task forces working in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, sports, investment promotion and infrastructure.
The NEC, functioning under the Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), plays a key role in planning, funding and coordinating projects aimed at promoting balanced and sustainable development across the Northeast.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Chief Minister Sarma's praise for Amit Shah as "Architect of Peace" seems a bit excessive. The real test is in Manipur where the situation remains fragile. Let's see if NEC can address the ethnic tensions and displacement there. Peace cannot be claimed from a podium while people are still suffering in camps.
Good to see all eight states coming together. The human capital of Northeast is incredible - look at the doctors, engineers, and sportspersons coming out of there! If we can fix roads, railways, and internet connectivity, this region will be an economic powerhouse. Better late than never! 🇮🇳
My issue is with the 'top-down' approach. These meetings happen in capital cities, but do they actually consult the tribal councils and local communities? Development cannot be imposed from Delhi or Dispur. Need bottom-up planning that respects the unique cultures of each state. Hope some indigenous voices were heard.
As someone from Nagaland, I'm cautiously optimistic. The National Games, the tourism push, and investment in bamboo industry are good steps. But the real issue is the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). Can we talk about peace without security forces having special powers? Let's see if NEC dares to discuss that.
Tourism is the key! We have some of the most beautiful places in India - Kaziranga, Tawang, Cherapunji, Loktak Lake. But tourists hesitate because of connectivity issues and occasional unrest. If NEC can improve all-weather roads, flights, and also promote homestays with local communities, it'll be
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