New Delhi: A bill seeking to amend the North Eastern Council Act, 1971, by giving powers to the President of India to nominate for three years two non-official members and Planning Commission member to the Council, was introduced in the Rajya Sabha today.
Minister of State for Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region Paban Singh Ghatowar introduced the North-Eastern Council (Amendment) Bill, 2013, saying it also seeks to use the North-Eastern Council to discuss matters of common interest to the region and make recommendations.
The amendment in the Act seeks that the Council may discuss matters of common interest to the region that include economic and social planning, inter-state transport and communications and flood control projects and make recommendations.
The Bill seeks to include one member of the Planning Commission who is incharge of north-eastern region and also two non-official members to be nominated by the President for a three-year period extendable for a further period not exceeding two years.
“NEC should be used as forum for discussion on matters of common interest to the region and make recommendations. The Bill seeks amendment in the Act that will enable the Council to perform this function,” the objects of the Bill says.
The North-Eastern Council was set up in 1972 by the North-Eastern Council Act, 1971, for securing balanced and coordinated development and effecting coordination among states of north-eastern areas . (PTI)