Context:

During the financial years 2021-22 and 2022-23, a total of 45 projects costing Rs. 470.75 crore have been sanctioned by North Eastern Council (NEC) in Assam.

About North Eastern Council ( NEC):

• The NEC is the nodal agency for the economic and social development of the North Eastern Region which consists of the eight States:
  • Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.
• Genesis:  The NEC was constituted as a statutory advisory body under the North Eastern Council Act 1971 for the rapid development of the Region.
• Nodal Ministry:  It falls under the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region.

Functions of the Council:

• Advisory body: It may discuss and make recommendations with regards to any matter
  • Concerning inter-State transport.
  • Related to power or flood control projects.
  • Economic and Social planning.
• Securing: Balanced development of the North-Eastern areas.
• Review:
  • Implementation of the projects and schemes from time to time.
  • Measures taken by the states for the maintenance of security and public order.

News Source: PIB,