📘 Q.13 IAS Prelims 2024 — Polity & Governance: North Eastern Council (NEC)
📍 The Question
The North Eastern Council (NEC) was established by the North Eastern Council Act, 1971.
Subsequent to the amendment of the NEC Act in 2002, the Council comprises which of the following members?
- Governor of the Constituent State
- Chief Minister of the Constituent State
- Three Members to be nominated by the President of India
- The Home Minister of India
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
✅ Correct Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
🧠 Indexive Theme of the Question
Indian Polity | Regional Councils | North-East Governance | Statutory Bodies
🧑🏫 Classroom Explanation
The North Eastern Council (NEC) is a statutory body, not a constitutional one. It was created under the North Eastern Council Act, 1971 to promote economic and social development of the North-Eastern region.
🔁 2002 Amendment (Very Important for Prelims)
The NEC Act was amended in 2002 (Act No. 68 of 2002), which significantly restructured the Council and designated it as a regional planning body.
🏛️ Composition of NEC after 2002 Amendment
After the amendment, the Council consists of:
- ✅ Governors of the Constituent States
- ✅ Chief Ministers of the Constituent States
- ✅ Three Members nominated by the President of India
- ✅ Chairman nominated by the President
(The Chairman need not be one of the Governors or Chief Ministers)
❌ Union Home Minister is NOT an ex-officio member of the NEC.
🔍 Statement-wise Evaluation
- Statement 1: Governor of the Constituent State → ✅ Correct
- Statement 2: Chief Minister of the Constituent State → ✅ Correct
- Statement 3: Three Members nominated by the President → ✅ Correct
- Statement 4: Home Minister of India → ❌ Incorrect
🧾 Constituent States of NEC (Post-2002)
Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim
🧠 Prelims Memory Hook
NEC = Governors + CMs + 3 Presidential Nominees (No Union Minister)
🧭 IAS Monk Whisper
Federal balance in India often travels through statutory bridges, not constitutional highways.