Guwahati: The North Eastern Council (NEC) completed 14 infrastructure projects worth Rs 45.48 crore across the Northeast in September, including a cultural complex and school infrastructure in Meghalaya, officials said on Monday.
The council also released Rs 42.63 crore during the month for development initiatives across the region. Of this, Rs 35.21 crore was allocated to the eight northeastern states, while Rs 7.42 crore was released to regional institutions and agencies.
Among the states, Nagaland received the highest allocation of Rs 11.92 crore. The funds will support initiatives such as cluster-based coffee value-chain development and a cultural activity complex for the Chakhesang community at Pfutseromi village.
Mizoram received Rs 6.29 crore for projects including an auditorium at Bethel Veng in Champhai, cultural tourism infrastructure at Vangchhia, Mizo ginger cultivation and IT-based mineral mapping.
Assam was allocated Rs 4.42 crore for student hostels at Bineswar Brahma Engineering College in Kokrajhar and development initiatives for the Singpho community in Tinsukia.
Sikkim received Rs 4.17 crore for town-level CCTV surveillance and construction of a multi-purpose hall at Government Degree College, Rhenock.
Arunachal Pradesh was allocated Rs 3.40 crore for a nursing hostel at District Hospital, Yingkiong, the Acheso tourism complex in Dibang Valley and the Ziro Signature View Point.
Tripura and Manipur also received instalments for ongoing projects focused on tribal livelihoods, eco-tourism, medicinal plants, cultural infrastructure and waste management.
Of the Rs 7.42 crore released to regional institutions and agencies, the North Eastern Council Bamboo Development Centre (NECBDC) received Rs 2.88 crore for bamboo artisan clusters. The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) received Rs 2.35 crore for handloom skill development, while NECTAR was allocated Rs 1.24 crore for establishing STEM laboratories in remote schools.
The remaining funds were released to institutions including NEDFi, NIT Meghalaya, IIM Shillong, NEHU and NESAC.
Among the projects completed during September were school buildings at Mawthadraishan in West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, and the Cultural Complex of Seng Khasi Ri Raid Laban at Lum Shat Sngi Kenches Trace in Shillong. The Meghalaya projects were valued at Rs 4.75 crore and Rs 9.28 crore, respectively.
The NEC said the September releases and completed projects underline its continued focus on infrastructure, education, livelihoods, tourism, culture and technology-led development across the Northeast.