Shillong: The 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC), headquartered in Meghalaya’s capital, will be held on Thursday at the state convention centre in Shillong, under the chairmanship of Union home minister and NEC chairperson Amit Shah.The session will be attended by Union minister for development of north eastern region (DoNER) and NEC vice‑chairperson Jyotiraditya M Scindia, minister of state for DoNER Sukanta Majumdar, and the governors and chief ministers of all eight north‑eastern states. The Plenary will deliberate on the progress made by the CMs’ high‑level task forces constituted for critical sectors of regional development.Key discussions will centre on the North East Vision Plan 2047, which outlines a long‑term roadmap to transform the region into a vibrant hub of economic growth, connectivity, innovation, sustainability, and cultural prosperity by the centenary year of India’s independence.Council members will share perspectives on regional development priorities and opportunities for enhanced inter‑statecooperation.Presentations will cover tourism, agriculture and horticulture, investment promotion, self‑reliance in milk, eggs, fish and meat, sports promotion, economic corridor development, infrastructure and connectivity, and handloom and handicrafts.“The deliberations are expected to facilitate coordinated action among states and stakeholders for achieving shared developmental goals,” an official statement said.The meeting will also review major initiatives of the ministry of DoNER, including updates on flagship schemes and programmes,outcomes of the North East Investment Summit and Bankers’ Conclave, youth‑focused initiatives, and efforts related to tourism, logistics, and unique selling proposition (USP) projects in the region.A pre‑Plenary meeting held on Wednesday discussed flagship initiatives such as bamboo, agarwood, and Ashtalakshmi Darshan, along with other issues. It was attended by the secretary, MDoNER; chief secretaries of the eight north‑eastern states; secretary, NEC; and senior officers from MDoNER, NEC, state govts, and central agencies.Established under the North Eastern Council Act, 1971, the NEC serves as the apex regional planning body for the north‑easternregion, playing a pivotal role in fostering coordinated development and cooperative federalism.
