The North Eastern Council (NEC) has reported a significant financial milestone for the 2025–2026 fiscal year, announcing a total expenditure of nearly ₹1,500 crore dedicated to transforming the landscape of India’s Northeast. This massive capital infusion underscores a strategic pivot toward robust infrastructure and long-term economic sustainability for the region.
According to official data, the total expenditure reached ₹1,496.78 crore. The spending was strategically divided between two primary channels: ₹792.12 crore was allocated under the Schemes of NEC (SoNEC), while ₹704.66 crore was funneled through the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS-Roads). The heavy weighting toward road development highlights the Council’s priority on enhancing regional connectivity as a catalyst for trade and tourism.
Beyond roadworks, the Council demonstrated a commitment to social sectors by approving 54 new projects with a combined outlay of ₹435.22 crore. These initiatives span a diverse range of critical areas, including healthcare infrastructure, higher education, agriculture, and livelihood generation. The year also saw the completion of 30 major projects valued at ₹1,123.08 crore, signaling a high rate of project delivery and operational efficiency.
The NEC’s achievements this year aren’t solely measured in construction. Officials highlighted a dramatic improvement in financial governance and accountability. Most notably, the Council successfully reduced its committed liabilities from ₹1,743.48 crore in 2022 to just ₹813.17 crore by March 2026. Furthermore, pending utilization certificates—often a bottleneck in government spending—plummeted by over 97 percent, falling to a record low of ₹10.94 crore.
To ensure the quality of these investments, the NEC Secretariat conducted 405 field inspections throughout the year. This rigorous monitoring process was designed to ensure that taxpayers’ money translates into tangible, high-quality assets for the local population while maintaining strict adherence to project timelines.
Looking ahead, the Council reaffirmed its dedication to collaborating with individual state governments. These efforts are part of a broader, unified roadmap aimed at achieving a “Developed Northeast by 2047.” As the region continues to bridge the infrastructure gap with the rest of the country, the 2025–26 fiscal year stands as a benchmark for disciplined growth and inclusive development.