NEC shifting from funding body to policy think tank: CM Sangma
Shillong, June 4
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday said the North Eastern Council is undergoing a major transformation, moving from being primarily a funding agency to a policy-driven institution shaping the development agenda of the entire Northeast region.
Speaking after the 73rd Plenary Session of the NEC in Shillong, Sangma said the meeting, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, was attended by governors and chief ministers of all eight northeastern states, senior officials of the Centre and state governments, and representatives of various ministries.
He described the session as highly productive, with extensive discussions on regional development priorities and collaborative strategies for accelerating growth across the Northeast.
Sangma said one of the key highlights of the plenary was the presentation of reports by several high-level task forces constituted under the guidance of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and the NEC. These task forces, headed by different chief ministers, focused on critical sectors including agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, sports, and other areas vital to the region's development.
"All these task forces have submitted their reports and outlined a roadmap for the future. The objective is to ensure that states work together as one team for the Northeast rather than functioning in isolation," Sangma said.
According to him, the recommendations seek to promote greater regional cooperation, resource sharing, and coordinated implementation of development programmes. The task force reports also identify opportunities for leveraging the comparative strengths of individual states for the collective benefit of the region.
The Meghalaya Chief Minister said the emerging approach marks a significant shift in the NEC's functioning.
"For many years, there has been a discussion about the need for a common policy direction for the Northeast. Today, we are witnessing that vision taking shape. The NEC is no longer only a funding agency; it is becoming an institution that generates ideas, frames policies, and provides strategic direction for the region," he said.
Sangma said Union Home Minister Amit Shah and DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia have directed the chief ministers heading the various task forces to ensure implementation of the recommendations over the next year.
He expressed confidence that stronger collaboration among northeastern states, coupled with closer coordination with central ministries, would help achieve common development goals and deliver tangible benefits across the region.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Sounds good on paper, but will it actually work? 😅 We've seen so many committees and task forces before. The real challenge is implementation. Also, will states give up their turf for regional cooperation? Each CM wants their own share of the pie first.
As someone from Assam, I'm cautiously optimistic. The Northeast has huge potential in tourism, handlooms, and organic farming. If NEC can provide a common policy framework while respecting state autonomy, we might finally unlock that potential. Plus, having Amit Shah chair the meeting shows this has high-level attention.
Interesting development. I've worked with some state governments in the Northeast, and the lack of coordination is a real issue. Making NEC a policy think tank could help standardize things like tourism promotion or disaster management across state lines. But the funding aspect shouldn't be completely ignored - states still need resources.
Sir, one humble request to all CMs - please focus on improving internet connectivity and road infrastructure first! 🤷♂️ We can have all the think tanks in the world, but if villages in Mizoram or Nagaland still don't have proper roads and our students can't attend online classes, what's the point? Basics first, then grand visions please.
Absolutely love the idea of task forces headed by different CMs - that's a smart way to get buy-in and ensure nobody feels left out. But the proof will be in the pudding. Let's see if these reports actually lead to something or just gather dust like so many other government documents. Fingers crossed! 🤞
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