Ahead of the 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC), a Pre-Plenary Meeting was held today at the State Convention Centre, Shillong, bringing together senior officials from the Government of India and all eight North Eastern States. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretaries, State Planning Secretaries, senior officers of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), NEC officials, and other key stakeholders.

The meeting began with remarks by NEC Secretary, Shri Satinder Kumar Bhalla, who underscored the importance of coordinated regional planning and strengthened inter-state collaboration to accelerate the socio-economic development of the North Eastern Region. He noted that the gathering provided an important platform for senior officials to deliberate on strategic initiatives and emerging opportunities that can drive sustainable and inclusive growth across the region.

During the session, Shri Angshuman Dey, Joint Secretary, Ministry of DoNER, made detailed presentations on the Bamboo Value Chain and Agarwood Value Chain, while Shri Niraj Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of DoNER, presented a performance review of the Ashtalakshmi Darshan – Youth Exchange Programme (AD-YEP) under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative. The presentations highlighted the vast potential of these sectors and programmes in generating livelihoods, promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening value addition, enhancing market linkages, and showcasing the rich cultural and natural heritage of the North East.

A major focus of the meeting was the transformation of the bamboo sector through a comprehensive presentation on the Actionable Agenda for State Governments. The roadmap outlined measures to strengthen the bamboo ecosystem through enhanced quality control, improved market access, and increased utilisation. It was highlighted that the North East Cane and Bamboo Development Council (NECBDC) will play a key role in managing quality standards and facilitating market linkages. States were also encouraged to ensure a minimum five per cent use of bamboo in public construction projects to promote sustainable and locally sourced materials.

The meeting also reviewed the immense economic potential of the agarwood sector. Officials noted that the North Eastern Region accounts for approximately 96.6 per cent of India’s agarwood resources, with Assam alone contributing nearly 82 per cent, representing an estimated 114 million trees. The discussion highlighted significant opportunities for value addition, processing, exports, and entrepreneurship, particularly considering that premium-grade agarwood oil can command prices exceeding ₹10 lakh per kilogram in international markets.

Another key agenda item was the review of the Ashtalakshmi Darshan – Youth Exchange Programme (AD-YEP). The programme, which concluded its first phase on April 10, 2026, successfully engaged 530 students across 15 batches through 11 host institutions. Covering 24 Non-North Eastern States and Union Territories, the initiative has helped foster cultural understanding, academic exchange, and stronger people-to-people connections between the North Eastern Region and the rest of the country.

An extensive open-house discussion followed, during which Chief Secretaries, State Planning Secretaries, and senior officials shared their views, suggestions, and state-specific perspectives. Participants discussed opportunities for greater convergence among Central Ministries, State Governments, and regional institutions to ensure effective implementation of development programmes and maximise benefits for local communities.

Addressing the gathering, Secretary, Ministry of DoNER, Shri Sanjay Jaju, reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment to the holistic development of the North Eastern Region. He encouraged continued cooperation among all stakeholders and emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving shared developmental goals. The deliberations helped identify key issues and priorities that will be taken up during the forthcoming 73rd Plenary Session of the NEC.

The meeting concluded with remarks by the Planning Adviser, NEC, Shri Som Kamei who expressed appreciation to all participants for their valuable contributions and constructive deliberations. He also reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation, strengthening inter-state collaboration, and advancing inclusive development across the North Eastern States.

The Pre-Plenary Meeting successfully laid the groundwork for the 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council, setting the stage for substantive discussions on the future development agenda of the North Eastern Region and strengthening the collective vision for its growth, connectivity, and prosperity.

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