UPSC Prelims 2024 Q70: Indian Polity – Constitutional & Statutory Bodies
- (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
- (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
- (c) 2 and 4 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation
North Eastern Council (NEC) - Composition after 2002 Amendment
The NEC Act was amended in 2002. After the amendment, the composition of NEC is:
| Member Type | Included? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Governor of each constituent state | YES | Governors of all 8 NE states are members |
| Chief Minister of each constituent state | YES | Chief Ministers of all 8 NE states are members |
| Three members nominated by President | YES | Up to 3 members nominated by the President of India |
| Home Minister of India | As Chairman (NOT a regular member) | The Home Minister was made ex-officio Chairman of NEC under the 2002 amendment - this is a chairmanship role, distinct from membership |
The 8 NE states in NEC: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura.
The NEC serves as a regional planning body for infrastructure, economic development, and security in the Northeast.
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Governors (1), Chief Ministers (2), and three members nominated by the President (3) are the members of NEC as per the amended NEC Act 2002. The Home Minister is the ex-officio Chairman, not listed as a regular member.
- (b) Incorrect. Chief Ministers (2) are members of NEC. The NEC Act includes Chief Ministers of constituent states as members - excluding them would be incorrect.
- (c) Incorrect. Chief Ministers and nominated members are both part of NEC. 'Only 2 and 4' would exclude Governors and include the Home Minister as a member, which does not match the NEC Act structure.
- (d) Incorrect. The Home Minister of India is the ex-officio Chairman of NEC (a role position), not listed as one of the regular 'members' in the NEC Act's membership provisions.
Key point
NEC (after 2002 amendment) members: Governors + Chief Ministers of 8 NE states + 3 Presidential nominees. Home Minister = ex-officio Chairman (not counted as regular member in membership list). 8 states: Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Mizoram, Arunachal, Sikkim.
Remember
NEC members after 2002 amendment: Governors, Chief Ministers of 8 NE states, and 3 Presidential nominees. The Home Minister is the ex-officio Chairman, not a regular member.
Common mistakes
- Thinking the Home Minister is a regular 'member' of NEC - the Home Minister is the ex-officio Chairman (a presiding role), distinct from membership under the NEC Act.
- Forgetting that both Governors AND Chief Ministers are NEC members - the Council includes both constitutional heads and elected heads of constituent states.
- Not knowing the 8 NE states under NEC - Sikkim was added to NEC in 2002 (hence the amendment).
Exam tip
NEC composition: G + CM + 3 (Government nominated) = Members. Home Minister = Chairman (different from member). NEC 2002 amendment key change: Sikkim added as 8th NE state and Home Minister made Chairman.
Sources
- North Eastern Council Act, 1971 (as amended 2002)
- Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region — North Eastern Council: constitution and functions