NEC ORGANISED ASHTALAKSHMI DARSHAN YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAMME AT NAGALAND UNIVERSITY
The 10th Batch of the Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Programme was inaugurated on 2nd February 2026 at the School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus. The 14-day programme (1–14 February 2026), supported by the North Eastern Council under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India, aims to promote cultural exchange, youth engagement, and national integration. The inaugural programme was attended by 40 students and four faculty mentors from University of Kerala and University of Ladakh, along with faculty members and students of Nagaland University.
In his address, Dipak Sinha encouraged participants to explore the cultural diversity of the North East and serve as ambassadors strengthening connections between the region and the rest of the country. Som Kamei, in his special address, urged the students to make the most of the opportunity to learn about different cultures and experience the hospitality of the people of Nagaland.
    The programme was chaired by J. Longkumer, while the welcome address was delivered by Pauline Alila. A brief overview of the itinerary was presented by Kevineituo Bier, followed by presentations by student delegates highlighting the unique cultural features of their respective regions. The valedictory programme was held on 13th February 2026 at the same campus, attended by university officials, faculty members, and participating students. Over the course of the programme, participants engaged in 29 academic sessions, exposure visits, and cultural exchange activities, providing insights into the cultural heritage, traditions, and developmental landscape of Nagaland and the wider North Eastern Region.
    The programme concluded with a cultural presentation celebrating “Unity in Diversity,” reaffirming the commitment of the North Eastern Council and Nagaland University to strengthening youth-to-youth connections and fostering national integration. 
    
NEC RELEASES 67.41 CRORE ACROSS NORTH EASTERN REGION IN FEBRUARY, 2026
The North Eastern Council (NEC) released a total amount of ₹ 67,41,09,587 (Rupees Sixty Seven Crore Forty One Lakh Nine Thousand Five Hundred and Eighty Seven only) during February 2026 to support developmental initiatives across all Northeastern States as well as regional and other implementing agencies. The fund releases reflect NEC’s continued commitment to strengthening development in the region through targeted investments in infrastructure development, livelihood generation, agricultural innovation, education, tourism promotion, research, and cultural initiatives. The assistance forms part of NEC’s sustained efforts to accelerate inclusive and balanced regional development while improving connectivity, economic opportunities, and social infrastructure across the Northeast.

NEC RELEASED FUND FOR NAGALAND
Among the states benefiting from these initiatives, Nagaland has received support for several development projects aimed at strengthening community capacity, promoting agricultural products, and preserving cultural heritage. One of the key initiatives includes capacity-building programmes in Phek, Kiphire, and Noklak districts, which are expected to enhance skills, strengthen local institutions, and support sustainable community development in the state.
    NEC is also supporting initiatives for the promotion of Naga Chilli, a unique agricultural product of the region, with the objective of strengthening agricultural value chains and improving market opportunities for local farmers. In addition, support has been extended for the construction of a Museum-cum-Library and Guest House at Chungliyimti in Nagaland, which will help promote the cultural heritage and historical legacy of the region while also supporting tourism and research activities. These initiatives are expected to strengthen agricultural promotion, institutional development, and cultural infrastructure, thereby contributing to economic growth and improved livelihoods in NEC/IPR/930/2025 I/20749/2026 the state. Through such interventions, NEC continues to play a vital role in fostering sustainable development and regional progress across the North Eastern Region.
     
₹ 30.07 CRORE RELEASED TO REGIONAL AND OTHER AGENCIES
In addition to state-specific allocations, NEC also released ₹30,07,14,985/- (Rupees Thirty  Crore Seven Lakhs Fourteen Thousand Nine Hundred and Eighty-Five only) to regional institutions and other implementing agencies across the North Eastern Region during the month. 
    Major project interventions include initiatives in sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurship development including AI-Based farming, infrastructure creation, setting up of sports facilities, tourism promotion, promotion of research and innovations, and livelihood enhancement.
    These initiatives are being implemented through leading institutions including IIT-Guwahati, IIM-Shillong, Northeast Space Application Centre (NESAC), North East Handicraft and Handloom Development Corporation (NEHHDC), North East Region Community Resource Management Society (NERCORMS) and other regional universities and specialized organizations.
    
SUPPORT FOR CULTURAL, ACADEMIC AND CAPACITY BUILDING INITIATIVES
Apart from project-based funding, NEC also supported several non-project activities and sponsored cultural & academic programmes during the month aimed at strengthening knowledge exchange, cultural preservation, tourism promotion, and youth engagement in the region. Key initiatives included support for international and regional conferences, skill development programmes, tourism workshops, cultural festivals, craft fairs, and youth cultural exchange programmes. Notable events held during the month included the International Conference on Knowledge Organization in Academic Libraries (I-KOAL-2026), Regional International Conference on Natural Language Processing (RegICON), Manipur State Level Kiwi Fruit Festival, and various cultural and craft festivals across the region. Through these initiatives, NEC continues to promote regional collaboration, knowledge sharing, innovation, and preservation of the rich cultural heritage of the North Eastern Region, while contributing to sustainable and inclusive development.
    
    (DIPR)