The North Eastern Council (NEC) conducted a high-level pre-plenary meeting in Shillong to prepare for its 73rd plenary session. Senior officials from the Centre and all eight northeastern states gathered to deliberate on crucial regional development priorities, such as bamboo and agarwood value chains, youth exchange initiatives, and inter-state collaboration.
NEC Secretary Satinder Kumar Bhalla emphasized the significance of coordinated regional planning and enhanced inter-state cooperation to boost socio-economic growth in the Northeast. The meeting served as a vital platform for senior officials to explore strategic initiatives and emerging opportunities for sustainable and inclusive development in the region.
Joint Secretary Angshuman Dey from the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) presented detailed insights on the bamboo and agarwood value chains during the discussions. Additionally, Joint Secretary Niraj Kumar reviewed the performance of the Ashtalakshmi Darshan–Youth Exchange Programme (AD-YEP) under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative.
Officials underscored the economic potential of the bamboo sector and outlined actionable steps for state governments to enhance the bamboo ecosystem through improved quality control, market access, and increased utilization. The North East Cane and Bamboo Development Council (NECBDC) were identified to play a crucial role in maintaining quality standards and facilitating market connections.
