The North Eastern Council (NEC) has released a total of Rs 67.41 crore during February 2026 to support developmental initiatives across all Northeastern States as well as regional and other implementing agencies.
The fund releases reflect NEC’s continued commitment to strengthening development in the region through targeted investments in infrastructure, livelihoods, agricultural innovation, education, tourism promotion, research, and cultural initiatives.
The assistance forms part of NEC’s sustained efforts to accelerate inclusive and balanced regional development while improving connectivity, economic opportunities, and social infrastructure across the Northeast.
Among the states benefiting from the latest fund release is Meghalaya, where support has been provided key development projects aimed at strengthening connectivity and promoting cultural heritage in the state.
One of the key initiatives includes the construction of an RCC bridge over River Lunar to connect Khaddum to Brichyrnot Village in East Jaintia Hills, which will enhance rural connectivity and improve access for local communities, including the Hmar community.
NEC is also supporting the development of a cultural complex for Seng Khasi Ri Raid Laban at Lum Shat Sngi in Kenches Trace, Shillong. The complex is expected to serve as an important centre for preserving and promoting the indigenous cultural heritage and traditions of the region.
In addition to state-specific allocations, NEC also released Rs 30.07 crore to regional institutions and other implementing agencies during the month.
Major project interventions include initiatives in sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurship development including AI-Based farming, infrastructure creation, setting up of sports facilities, tourism promotion, promotion of research and innovations, and livelihood enhancement.
These initiatives are being implemented through leading institutions including IIT-Guwahati, IIM-Shillong, Northeast Space Application Centre (NESAC), North East Handicraft and Handloom Development Corporation (NEHHDC), North East Region Community Resource Management Society (NERCORMS) and other regional universities and specialized organizations.
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Apart from project-based funding, NEC also supported several non-project activities and sponsored cultural and academic programmes during the month aimed at strengthening knowledge exchange, cultural preservation, tourism promotion, and youth engagement in the region.
These included international and regional conferences, skill development programmes, tourism workshops, cultural festivals, craft fairs, and youth cultural exchange programmes.
Major events held during the month included the International Conference on Knowledge Organization in Academic Libraries (I-KOAL-2026), Regional International Conference on Natural Language Processing (RegICON), Manipur State Level Kiwi Fruit Festival, and various cultural and craft festivals across the region.
These initiatives aim to strengthen regional collaboration, knowledge sharing, innovation, and preservation of the rich cultural heritage of the North Eastern Region, while contributing to sustainable and inclusive development
