The North Eastern Council (NEC) was established by the North Eastern Council Act, 1971. Subsequent to the amendment of NEC Act in 2002, the Council comprises which of the following members ? 1. Governor of the Constituent State 2. Chief Minister of the Constituent State 3. Three Members to be nominated by the President of India 4. The Home Minister of India Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1. A. (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
2. B. (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
3. C. (c) 2 and 4 only
4. D. (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: A

Explanation

This question focuses on the composition of the North Eastern Council (NEC) after its 2002 amendment, which is a key regional planning body. Statement 1 is correct: The Governors of the constituent states (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura) are members of the NEC. Statement 2 is correct: The Chief Ministers of these constituent states are also members of the NEC. Statement 3 is correct: Three members are nominated by the President of India to the Council. The Chairman of the Council is also nominated by the President, and need not be from among the other members. Statement 4 is incorrect: While the Union Home Minister is typically the ex-officio Chairman of the NEC, the question asks about the members of the Council as per the Act’s composition, and the Home Minister is not listed as a member in the same category as Governors, Chief Ministers, or President-nominated members. Therefore, statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct. The NEC’s structure and function are important for understanding regional governance and development in India, relevant for UPSC Polity and Current Affairs.