SHILLONG : Shillong on Thursday became the focal point of regional policymaking as Union Home Minister Amit Shah presided over the 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC), bringing together the political leadership of all eight Northeastern states for discussions on development priorities, economic growth and regional cooperation.
The high-level gathering was attended by Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Minister of State for DoNER Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, governors, chief ministers, senior bureaucrats and NEC members from across the region.
The session comes at a time when the Centre is pushing for deeper integration and coordinated planning among Northeastern states through sector-specific partnerships and long-term development strategies. Before the plenary, officials held preparatory discussions on a range of initiatives including bamboo-based industries, agarwood cultivation, tourism promotion and other projects aimed at strengthening the region’s economy.
A major focus of the meeting was the review of recommendations submitted by Chief Minister-led task forces constituted to examine key sectors. Areas under discussion included tourism, agriculture, horticulture, sports, investment promotion, handloom and handicrafts, food production, infrastructure expansion and transport connectivity.
Another significant item on the agenda was the proposed North East Vision 2047 roadmap, a long-term strategy intended to position the region as a hub for trade, innovation, connectivity and sustainable growth over the next two decades.
Speaking ahead of the session on Wednesday, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the annual gathering remains one of the most important forums for collaboration among Northeastern states.
“The Union Home Minister, who is also the Chairman of the NEC, will arrive this evening. Tomorrow is the plenary session and all the chief ministers and governors of the Northeast are in Shillong. I am sure we will have a constructive meeting and meaningful discussions on major sectors,” he said.
Sangma also highlighted the Centre’s effort to encourage states to work together on common priorities rather than pursuing isolated approaches.
“The DoNER Minister has put in place task forces where different states work together on specific sectors. These initiatives are aimed at strengthening regional collaboration and accelerating development across the Northeast,” he added.
Established through the North Eastern Council Act of 1971, the NEC serves as the region’s principal planning and advisory body and continues to play a central role in shaping development policies across the Northeast.