NEC: 50 Years of Development and a New Era of Growth
NEC Secretariat
PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI once highlighted the potential of the North East region by stating, “If the western region of the country can develop, if other regions of the country can develop, I see no reason why the North East region of the country cannot develop. The North East region is also very important to us for strategic reasons, and it is my conviction that we have to bring this region at par with the other developed regions of the country.” His vision resonates deeply as we mark the 50th anniversary of the North Eastern Council (NEC) and look forward to a new era of progress.
Prime Minister Modi's characterization of the eight North Eastern States as ‘Ashta Lakshmi’ reflects their immense potential, cultural richness, and natural resources. As the NEC transitions from its advisory origins to a pivotal role in regional planning and development, its core mission remains unchanged: to accelerate the socio-economic advancement of the region.
This involves enhancing connectivity, building capacity, fostering industry, promoting trade and tourism, and leveraging cultural strengths with significant investments. Understanding the NEC’s evolving role is crucial to appreciating its historical achievements and future potential.
Established by Parliament in 1971 (Act No. 84 of 1971) and inaugurated by then Prime Minister Shrimati Indira Gandhi on November 7, 1972, the NEC was a landmark initiative aimed at fostering planned development in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. The NEC was designed to address the common economic interests of these states and has since evolved into a regional planning body under the North Eastern Council (Amendment) Act, 2002.
This Act expanded NEC’s mandate to include Sikkim and redefined its role to focus more directly on regional planning.
Since its inception, NEC has played a crucial role in the region’s socio-economic development. Its collaborative efforts with state governments, NGOs, and central organizations have led to substantial advancements.
Notable achievements include -
- Construction of over 11,500 km of roads
- Development of more than 694 MW of power generation capacity
- Installation of 2,540 km of transmission and distribution lines
- Infrastructure improvements at major airports including Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Imphal, and Umroi
- Completion of 11 Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) and 4 Inter-State Truck Terminus (ISTT) projects
Iconic Projects: Some of NEC’s significant contributions over the years include -
- Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal (1972)
- Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI), Guwahati (1974)
- North Eastern Electrical Power Corporation (NEEPCO), Shillong (1976)
- North Eastern Regional Institute of Science & Technology (NERIST), Itanagar (1984)
- North Eastern Space Application Centre (NESAC), Umiam (2000)
- Advancing Northeast (ANE), a digital platform focusing on youth career and livelihood (2022)
Reflecting on the 65th NEC Plenary Session in Shillong, where Prime Minister Modi emphasized the North East's potential as ‘Ashta Lakshmi,’ the NEC's role is more significant than ever. The recent launch of PM-devINE (Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East) further underscores the commitment to accelerate the region’s development. As we celebrate 50 years of NEC's impactful journey, we acknowledge the progress made and recognize the challenges ahead.
The North Eastern region stands poised to grow alongside, and perhaps even surpass, other parts of India, embodying a future filled with promise and opportunity.
December 20, 2024