The North Eastern Council (NEC) was established in 1971 initially as an apex level advisory body aimed at securing a balanced and coordinated development, and facilitating effective co-ordination among seven States of North Eastern Region. Subsequent to the amendment of NEC act in December, 2002 Sikkim was added as eighth Member State, and NEC was mandated to function as a regional planning Body for the North Eastern Region (NER). The Council comprises of Governors and Chief Minister of Constituent States and three members nominated by the president. Through various schemes, the NEC, in conjunction with the Central Government and the constituent States seeks to translate into reality the aspirations of the people of the region as encapsulated in the NER vision 2020 Document, which articulates the broad goals for the development of the North Eastern Region. Since its inception, the NEC has funded the construction of 10,900 kms of roads, installation of 694 MW of power generating capacity and laying of 9200 kms of transmission and distribution lines, apart from the improvement of infrastructure of various airports in the region in collaboration with the Airport Authority of India. Besides, NEC has also assisted and promoted many iconic institutes such as Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, North East Police Academy, Shillong, North Eastern Electrical Power Corporation Ltd, Shillong, B Barooah Cancer Institute, Guwahati, North East Indian Region Institute of Paramedical and Nursing Sciences, Aizawl, North East Space Application Centre, Shillong, etc. As a Resource Centre for the NE States, the NEC is also mandated to enable the states and implementing agencies to properly plan and execute projects, promote research and innovation and to provide strategic policy vision for the NE Region.