The North-Eastern Region of India is a unique and culturally diverse part of the nation. It is often articulated as a melting pot of ethnicities, languages, and traditions, a place where ancient history meets modern aspirations. This dynamic region—comprising the eight northeastern states, namely, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura—are collectively referred to as the “Ashtalakshmi”—holds a unique position in India’s socio-economic and cultural landscape. The first form of Ashtalakshmi ‘Aadi Lakshmi’ is articulated as tradition and rich culture of northeast India. The second form ‘Dhan Lakshmi’ denotes economic prosperity in the region. The third form ‘Dhanya Lakshmi’ highlights the region's natural resources and expertise in organic and millet farming. The fourth form ‘Gaja Lakshmi’ depicts about the forest and wildlife sanctuaries. The fifth form ‘Santan Lakshmi’ which means productivity and creativity, showcasing the craft and creativity of northeast region. The sixth form ‘Veer Lakshmi’ symbolizes the strength and power of women in northeast India. The seventh form as ‘Jaya Lakshmi’ stands for fame, glory, and opportunities connecting Northeast India with South Asia. Touching upon the eight form i.e. ‘Vidya Lakshmi’, signifies knowledge, education, and learning opportunities in the region
This region spans a geographical area of approximately 262,230 square kilometers (101,250 sq miles), representing about eight percent of the country's total territory. The strategic location of this region is underscored by its international borders by countries such as China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Bhutan, with diverse terrains ranging from the Himalayan Mountains to lush plains and rivers. North East India boasts rich biodiversity, ancient monasteries, tea gardens, and a variety of natural resources like coal, oil, and other raw materials. However, beyond its geographical significance, the region is defined by its people—the diverse ethnic groups who have preserved their traditions, languages, and way of life, offering a wealth of cultural heritage and innovation.
Despite its rich resources and cultural diversity, North East India has faced challenges such as connectivity issues, socio-economic disparities, development gaps, regional imbalances, fostering competition for scarce resources and deep-seated feelings of alienation. These socio-economic challenges have, at times, culminated in the rise of ethnic tensions, regional movements, and secessionist sentiments. Consequently, addressing these challenges has been a priority in the Indian policy landscape, with governance and development efforts being directed toward ensuring stability and economic progress.
Since India’s independence, a series of administrative, developmental, and strategic initiatives have been launched to address the socio-economic challenges faced by this region. One of the first major steps toward addressing these issues was the establishment of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in 1971 through a parliamentary Act. The NEC has played an instrumental role as the nodal agency for the economic and social development of the eight states that make up the North-East.
In 1991, the Indian government launched the Look East Policy, a strategic economic initiative aimed at improving trade and diplomatic ties with Southeast Asia. This policy was further institutionalized with the establishment of the Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region (MoDONER) in 2001. In recent years, the Look East Policy has been revamped and transformed into the Act East Policy under the visionary leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. This updated policy is rooted in the vision of the “4 Cs” – Culture, Commerce, Connectivity, and Capacity Building – with an aim to leverage the region’s strategic location, cultural diversity, and economic potential. Through this strategic framework, the Indian government is actively facilitating cross-border trade, regional connectivity, and infrastructure development, while simultaneously creating avenues for employment generation and socio-economic upliftment in the North-East.
The Centre for Good Governance in North East India at the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi, has been conceptualized as a strategic initiative to Promote Public Policy and Action Research, strengthen governance mechanisms, support the implementation of regional development policies, promote inclusive development, strengthen national integration, and foster cross-regional cooperation.
This Centre will serve as a dynamic hub for policy research, capacity building, and strategic development in alignment with national goal ''Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'' a visionary national campaign designed to promote a sense of unity, shared identity, and mutual understanding among all states and regions of India. This initiative underscores the shared history, culture, and economic aspirations of every part of the nation, while emphasizing inclusivity, cooperation, and regional development. The Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat vision aligns seamlessly with the Centre’s mission, which seeks to strengthen connectivity, boost socio-economic opportunities, and develop policy solutions tailored to the region’s unique challenges.
The Centre will undertake collaborative research, host policy workshops, and offer training programs that align with the core vision of fostering good governance and to ensure that North East India is not only integrated but empowered to contribute meaningfully to the broader growth of the nation. This effort involves engaging various stakeholders, including the North Eastern Council (NEC), state governments, and central government departments, to promote synergy in governance interventions. Moreover, the Centre will act as a platform for dialogue and exchange, seminars, dissemination, bringing policymakers, academics, and practitioners together to discuss shared challenges and innovative solutions.
With its focus on good governance practices, the Centre will place an emphasis on building institutional capacity, facilitating transparency and accountability, creating a self-reliant, economically prosperous, and peaceful North-East. Good governance, at its core, this center for North East India at Indian Institute of Public Administration will ensure that the fruits of development and administration are equitably distributed and that the diverse communities of North-East India have a voice in shaping their future.
Reforming North East Region through sustainable yet rapid development, promoting ease of living and unlocking new opportunity for growth and prosperity.
Broad Objective of Centre for Good Governance in North East India Are as Follows:
Our Partners
Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), North Eastern Council, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Education, ICSSR- Northeastern Regional Centre, Ministry of Culture, Departments under various State Governments of North Eastern States, Administrative Training Institutes, Central and State Universities, and the Institutes of national importance in the region.
Research
Publication