Northeast Development as 72nd NEC Plenary in Agartala Sets New Growth Milestones
The 72nd Plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC), set to take place in Agartala, promises to mark a significant step forward in the development of India’s northeastern region. The event, taking place this Saturday, will provide a platform to review the ongoing infrastructure projects and to discuss future development plans for the eight northeastern states, including Sikkim.
The session will be presided over by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, with the Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya Scindia, and other key political leaders from the region, including the Governors, Chief Ministers, and Deputy Chief Ministers of the northeastern states, in attendance. This high-level meeting will focus on creating a roadmap that drives the region’s growth and ensures socio-economic parity with the rest of the country. As part of his visit, Amit Shah is expected to participate in several engagements across Tripura, including a visit to the Reang tribal settlement camps in Dhalai district and the National Cooperative Conference. His visit, coupled with the NEC plenary, highlights the government’s commitment to the holistic development of the region. This is only the second time since 2008 that Agartala will host the NEC plenary session. While plenary sessions have traditionally been held in Shillong and Guwahati, Agartala’s selection underscores its growing importance in the regional development landscape. The city’s evolving role, alongside the state of Tripura, plays a crucial part in driving initiatives aimed at better connectivity, infrastructure, and investment in the region.
The NEC itself has undergone significant transformation since its establishment in 1971, growing from an advisory body to a major planning agency focused on accelerating the socio-economic development of the northeastern states. Its mandate has expanded significantly with the inclusion of Sikkim in 2002, highlighting its increasing relevance in shaping the region’s future.
Notable achievements of the NEC over the decades include the construction of over 11,500 km of roads, boosting power generation, and upgrading airport infrastructure. With continued focus on these vital sectors, the ongoing projects, along with schemes like PM-DevINE, are set to further strengthen the region’s infrastructure and development capacity. Reflecting on the plenary session, NEC Secretary Angshuman Dey emphasized the council’s core mission of ensuring the region’s development through enhanced connectivity, capacity building, and sustainable investments. With the momentum gained in recent years, the plenary session in Agartala is expected to set the stage for Northeast India’s transformation, contributing significantly to the realisation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a prosperous future for the region. As the 72nd NEC plenary unfolds, the region’s leaders will focus on tapping into the Northeast’s rich cultural and economic potential, charting a course for a sustainable and prosperous future for all its citizens.
