The North-Eastern Council Act, 1971
Administered Ministry: Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region
Act details
| Short title | The North-Eastern Council Act, 1971 |
|---|---|
| Long title | An Act to provide for the setting up of a Council for the north-eastern areas of India to be called the North-Eastern Council and for matters connected therewith. |
| Act number | 84 of 1971 |
| Act year | 1971 |
| Enactment date | 30 Dec 1971 |
| Ministry | Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region |
| Jurisdiction | Central (Parliament of India) |
| Sections | 8 |
| Status | Not repealed |
| Last checked on India Code | 3 Nov 2026 |
| Source | India Code, Government of India |
Summary
Summary of The North-Eastern Council Act, 1971
Objective:
Establish the North-Eastern Council to promote the economic and social development of the North-Eastern Region of India, comprising the States of Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura.
Key Provisions:
1. Establishment of the North-Eastern Council:
• Comprises the Governors of the constituent States, the Union Minister for Development of North-Eastern Region (DONER), and other nominated members.
• Chairman: Governor of Assam (by rotation among State Governors in some amendments).
2. Functions: - Economic and Social Development: Identify and prioritize projects for the region's development.
• Coordination: Between Central Government and State Governments on regional development.
• Advice: On matters related to the region's development to the Central Government.
3. Powers: - To make recommendations for the development of the region.
• To undertake or support surveys, studies, and research for development projects.
4. Administration and Finance: - The Council is aided by a Secretariat.
• Funds are allocated from the Central Government for its operations and recommended projects.
Amendments and Impact:
• Amendments have expanded the Council's scope, including the addition of new member states and broadening its developmental roles.
• Impact: Varied, with successes in infrastructure development and challenges in effectively addressing the region's complex socio-economic and security issues.
Legislative history
Legislative History:
The North-Eastern Council Act, 1971
● Act Title - The North-Eastern Council Act, 1971
● Act Number / Year - 84 of 1971
● Act ID (India Code) - 197184
● Presidential Assent Date - December 30, 1971
● Enforcement Date - April 7, 1972
● Nodal Ministry - Ministry of Home Affairs
Precedent & Historical Rationale
● Regional Coordination & Integrated Planning - Enacted alongside the major political restructuring of the region under the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971, to create an apex advisory body for ensuring balanced economic development, infrastructure connectivity, and security coordination across the northeastern states.
● Replacement of the 1968 Act - Formulated to replace the un-implemented North-Eastern Council Act, 1968 (Act 26 of 1968). The 1971 Act restructured the Council’s composition and role, shifting it from a security-centric framework to an advisory and regional development planning mechanism.
Parliamentary Trajectory & Enactment
● Formulation - Introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs to provide a statutory forum comprising the Governors and Chief Ministers of the northeastern units to recommend integrated policies on common interests like transport, communications, power, and flood control.
● Parliamentary Passage - Debated and passed by both Houses of Parliament (Fifth Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) during the winter session in December 1971.
● Presidential Assent - Received Presidential Assent on December 30, 1971.
● Enforcement - Enforced on April 7, 1972.
Source - Official Record of Parliament, India Code, and Ministry of Home Affairs