Scindia in Shillong for 73rd NEC plenary, Northeast connectivity in focus
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia will begin a two-day visit to Shillong on Wednesday, 4 June, to attend a series of high-level meetings, including the 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC). The plenary, to be held at the State Convention Centre, will be chaired by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, who serves as the Chairman of the NEC.
Key agenda of the plenary
According to an official statement, the session will deliberate on the holistic development of the Northeast, with special emphasis on regional connectivity, infrastructure expansion, economic growth, and stronger inter-state coordination across the eight Northeastern states. The plenary is expected to review progress on ongoing developmental initiatives and chart future strategies to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth in the region.
Focus on space tech via NESAC
During the visit, Scindia will also attend a meeting on the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC), where discussions are likely to centre on leveraging space technology and advanced technological tools to accelerate regional development. Officials said the deliberations would explore technology-driven interventions in disaster management, connectivity, agriculture, planning, and resource mapping.
DoNER's push on the ground
The Ministry of DoNER has been pursuing multiple initiatives to strengthen physical and digital connectivity, expand infrastructure, promote tourism, improve agricultural productivity, encourage skill development, and create wider economic opportunities across the Northeast. This comes amid the Centre's sustained push for faster development and deeper regional integration in the region — a stated priority of the government over recent years.
Who will attend
Senior officials from the Centre and the Northeastern states, including chief ministers and governors, are expected to participate in the plenary session. The outcomes of the meeting are likely to shape the next set of policy interventions and capital allocations for the region in the coming months.