North Eastern Council, Members, Composition, North Eastern Council Act 1971, UPSC Notes!

The North Eastern Council (NEC) is a statutory regional council established in 1971 under the North Eastern Council Act, 1971, to accelerate the social and economic development of the North Eastern Region (NER) of India. Its formation marked the beginning of planned and coordinated efforts to promote growth, inter-state cooperation, and regional integration in the NER. Headquartered in Shillong, Meghalaya, the NEC comprises the governors and chief ministers of the North Eastern states. The Union Minister of DoNER serves as its chairman.

The NEC is an important topic for the UPSC exam preparation and other competitive exams and is covered under the Indian Polity section of the General Studies Paper-2 Syllabus.

In this article, we shall study formation, funding, objectives & members of NEC.

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What is the North Eastern Council?

The North Eastern Council (NEC) is responsible for the social and economic development of the North Eastern region, comprising 8 States: 

1. Assam, 
2. Arunachal Pradesh, 
3. Meghalaya, 
4. Mizoram, 
5. Tripura, 
6. Sikkim, 
7. Nagaland, and 
8. Manipur. 

Established in 1971 by an act of the Indian Parliament, the North Eastern Council marked a new era of planning and development in the region. The headquarters of the north eastern council is located in Shillong, and it started functioning in 1972 under the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (MDoNER) with the Union Home Minister as its head. 

The NEC is empowered to recommend to the central and state governments; the NEC oversees projects and schemes in the North Eastern Region to ensure proper and timely implementation. The central government primarily provides the budget and funding for the North Eastern Council, with substantial contributions from the state governments.

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Formation of North Eastern Council

The North Eastern Council (NEC) was established by the North Eastern Council Act 1971 as an advisory body for the socioeconomic and balanced development of the North-Eastern Areas. The Council commenced its functioning in 1972. NEC members include the Governors and Chief Ministers of the 8 states, including Sikkim, the Chairman, and 3 members nominated by the President. Over the past 35 years, the NEC has significantly promoted new economic ventures in the northeast part of India. Its activities aim to overcome the region's development obstacles, offering hope in this potentially rich but previously underdeveloped area.

Who are the North Eastern Council Members?

The North Eastern Council shall consist of the following members:

• All the governors and Chief Ministers of the 8 North Eastern states.
• 3 members of the North Eastern Council were nominated by the President of India.
• The Union Home Minister acts as the ex-officio chairman of the North Eastern Council.
• The Minister of State (Independent charge) of the Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) is the ex-officer Vice-chairman of the North Eastern Council.

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Funding for the NEC

The Council's funding primarily comes from the Central Government, historically with 56% contributed by state governments and the remainder by central government departments. The 3-year plan from 2017 projected an annual budget of INR 2500 crore, with 40% from the government and the remaining 60% from the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR).

The following are the chief objectives of the North Eastern Council:

• To ensure balanced, integrated, and sustainable development of the North Eastern Region.
• To prepare and coordinate an integrated plan to meet the infrastructure requirements of the North Eastern Region.
• To provide adequate social and economic development opportunities to the people of the North Eastern Region.
• To aggressively promote infrastructure and other development activities in the North Eastern Region.
• To assist in developing an Institute of national importance in the North Eastern region.
• To ensure proper integration of the North Eastern Region with mainland India.

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What are the Functions of the North Eastern Council?

Established under the 1971 Act, the North Eastern Council serves as an advisory, regional planning, and discussion body.

• Its primary role is to discuss matters related to its members, formulate developmental plans, and provide advice to central and state governments on developmental issues.
• The council's focus areas include social and economic planning, interstate transport, communication, flood control, and common power projects.
• It develops unified regional plans covering matters of common importance, project priorities, and project locations.
• The council reviews and inspects schemes and projects under these plans to ensure coordination among concerned state governments.
• It recommends the financial assistance needed for regional plan projects to the central government, which then releases funds.
• The council suggests surveys and feasibility studies for incorporating new projects into regional plans.
• It also evaluates state measures for maintaining public order and security, offering necessary recommendations in this regard.

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The North Eastern Council Act of 1971 is an act of the Parliament which establishes the North Eastern Council for the socio-economic development of the North Eastern region. The main highlights of the Act of 1971 are:

• The act mentions in detail the composition of the North Eastern Council.
• The act deals with the functions assigned to the North Eastern Council.
• The North Eastern Council Act of 1971 mentions the procedure of meetings of the North Eastern Council.
  • The council meetings are headed by the chairman of the North Eastern Council, and the proceeds of every meeting are to be forwarded to the Government of India and the Governments of member states.
• The act also deals with the staff and officers of the North Eastern Council.
• With the commencement of the North Eastern Council Act of 1971, the North Eastern Council Act of 1970 was repealed.

The North Eastern Council (Amendment) Act 2002

The important amendments that were made in the North Eastern Council Act 1971 in 2002 are:

• Sikkim became the 8th member of the North Eastern Council.
• The President of India was empowered to nominate the chairman of the North Eastern Council. 
• The President was also empowered to nominate three members to the North Eastern Council.
• The Council was mandated to prioritize the projects and schemes which benefit 2 or more States.
• It was made mandatory that at least two meetings of the Council shall be held in a year.

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What are the Schemes Operating Under the North Eastern Council?

Following are some of the important schemes of the North Eastern Council:

NEC Scholarship

• The North Eastern Council (NEC) scholarship continues to support economically weaker students in all 8 North Eastern states.
• As of 2025, the scholarship now covers more than 40,000 students annually at UG, PG, PhD, and Diploma/Certificate levels, helping them access higher education approved by NEC.
• Cash rewards have been increased up to ₹35,000 per student based on current inflation and cost-of-living adjustments.
• Eligibility remains for permanent residents of the North Eastern states who have cleared 10th or 12th board exams.

NER Vision 2020 & NER Vision 2040

• The Vision 2020 document remains a guiding policy for rapid and sustainable development of the North East, but now integrates "NER Vision 2040," adopted by the Council in 2023 for future-ready goals (digital integration, climate resilience, cross-border trade).
• Thematic groups continue to operate, with new sector-specific plans for green growth, digital infrastructure, and start-up promotion.
• Academic reviews and updates are ongoing to keep the Vision documents relevant and effective.
• Since 2018, new focus areas such as skill development, start-ups, women’s empowerment, and green tourism were added to thematic priorities.

Progress Made

• Telecom & Digital: By 2025, 97% of North East villages now connected by mobile and broadband internet.
• Infrastructure: Over 12,000 km of road constructed with NEC funding; regional air connectivity doubled since 2018 due to the UDAN scheme's expansion.
• GDP Growth: North Eastern states averaged over 10% GDP growth annually in 2020–2025, exceeding national average.
• Railways & Power: Major new projects like Bharatmala roads, railway upgradation, and additional hydroelectric capacity have improved logistics and energy access.
• Education & Healthcare: NEC launched new Allied Health Sciences Institutes and supported digital classrooms in remote schools.

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NGO DARPAN

NGO Darpan is an interactive platform developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) under the Ministry of Electronics Information and Technology(MeitY).

• NGO Darpan initially served at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to create and promote partnerships between NGOs/VOs (Voluntary Organisations) and the Government of India.
• NGO Darpanworks is an interface between VOs/NGOs and Government Ministries/Departments/Government Bodies.
• The platform envisions covering all Central Ministries/Departments/Government bodies.
• The NGO DARPAN platform now integrates over 18,000 registered NGOs/VOs working with Central ministries, especially in health, education, disaster management, and women empowerment across NER.
• NGO Darpan is managed and looked after by the NITI Aayog.

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The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) continues to be the nodal ministry for planning, funding, and coordinating overall development in the eight North Eastern states. DoNER works closely with central ministries, state governments, and local bodies to implement schemes designed for balanced, inclusive growth and infrastructure in the region.

Act East Policy Initiatives

• The Government of India has stepped up cross-border trade, connectivity, and cultural exchanges with ASEAN countries.
• Key projects include expansion of border haats, integrated check posts, and improved road links with Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Thailand.
• This policy also enhances export of local products, investment in NE industrial parks, and people-to-people contact.

North East Gas Grid Project

• This landmark project is bringing piped natural gas to remote districts, replacing polluting fuels and aiding industries.
• Led by Indradhanush Gas Grid Ltd., the pipeline network covers all eight states, with full coverage targeted by 2026.
• The project will power new industrial zones, urban centers, and help in cleaner cooking fuel adoption.

Northeast Startup Challenge

• Launched in 2024, this scheme encourages startup incubation, skill development, and access to finance for entrepreneurs.
• Focus areas include agri-tech, eco-tourism, digital solutions, and traditional craft industries.
• Women-led and tribal startups are given priority support under this mission.

North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS)

• In 2024–25, more than ₹3,056 crore was allocated for projects under NESIDS.
• Funds go towards building roads, bridges, water supply networks, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions in under-served districts.
• The scheme prioritizes climate-resilient and sustainable infrastructure, especially in difficult terrains.

Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project

• This international project connects Mizoram with Sittwe port in Myanmar via waterways and roads.
• It improves trade routes and economic ties between NER and Southeast Asia.

Swadesh Darshan Scheme

• Over ₹1,400 crore has been sanctioned for developing eco-tourism circuits, wellness tourism, adventure hubs, and conservation of cultural heritage sites across the region.
• Projects under Swadesh Darshan have brought in significant tourist footfall and improved local livelihoods.

Northeast Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS)

• NEIDS incentivizes MSME growth with tax benefits, subsidies, and skill-building workshops.
• In 2023–24, over 2,200 MSMEs were supported, generating thousands of jobs in manufacturing, food processing, handicrafts, and IT.

National Bamboo Mission & Digital North East Vision 2022

• Bamboo cultivation, processing, and product development have expanded under this mission—adding income for rural families and supporting sustainable industry.
• Digital North East initiatives have achieved widespread rural mobile coverage, Wi-Fi enabled villages, smart classrooms, and digital governance platforms across the region.

What are some of the Major Achievements of the North Eastern Council?

The following achievements speak about the successful journey of the North Eastern Council thus far:

• North Eastern Police Academy, NEEPCO, NERAMAC, NERIST, RIPAN, RIMS, NESAC, CBTC and NETDC continue as key institutions, with recent upgrades in remote connectivity and research.
• As of 2025, 17 interstate terminal/bus corridor projects completed or underway; air travel infrastructure improved further.
• Flagship livelihood scheme NERCORMP now covers all 8 states, with the launch of NERCORMP 4 in 2023 focused on tribal entrepreneurship and women’s self-help groups.
• Women’s programs and athlete cash awards have expanded, with over 2,00,000 women benefitting from self-employment opportunities since 2018.
• NEC now has dedicated sub-programs for climate adaptation, rural healthcare, green skills for youth, and organic farming expansion.
• Continued contributions in education, healthcare, agriculture, and tourism sectors.

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What is the Way Forward?

Although the North Eastern Council served as a pioneer institution in the development of the North Eastern Region, certain areas still need some introspection:

• NEC is recommended for further empowerment and increased funding, especially for cross-border infrastructure and resilience projects.
• Integration of civil society, local bodies, and grassroots organizations in planning and monitoring to boost effectiveness and transparency.
• Priority should be on upgrading transport (highways and railways), digital skill development for youth, and improving rural healthcare and education infrastructure.
• Enhanced focus is needed to address climate change impacts and disaster readiness.

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