A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), the North Eastern Council (NEC), and the Indian Institute of Management Shillong (IIM Shillong) for the continued operation of the esteemed Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Policy Research and Analysis in Shillong on February 13.
The signing ceremony took place at the NEC Secretariat with MDoNER joining through a weblink.
The MoU, signed by Angshuman Dey, joint secretary of MDoNER, Moses K Chalai, secretary of NEC, and DP Goyal, director of IIM Shillong, in the presence of Chanchal Kumar, secretary of MDoNER and other senior officials, marks a significant step towards deepening engagement with IIM Shillong and reinforcing the commitment to the development of the North Eastern Region (NER).
The Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Policy Research and Analysis, established through a tripartite agreement in October 2016, aims to become a state-of-the-art centre facilitating proper planning and execution of projects, promoting innovation, and serving as a repository of best practices in the region.
Speaking at the occasion, DP Goyal, director of IIM Shillong, reflected on the rich legacy of the late President APJ Abdul Kalam and highlighted the centre’s key initiatives and interventions. He emphasized that the extension of the MoU would further strengthen the relationship between the three important agencies and deepen their commitment to the region’s development.
NEC secretary Moses Chalai expressed satisfaction with the centre’s performance and urged it to deliberate on central government policies and guidelines in alignment with the region’s aspirations. He also highlighted the completion of the administrative building of the centre, sponsored by MDoNER through NEC, and called for a formal inauguration.
MDoNER secretary Chanchal Kumar extended best wishes to the centre, emphasizing its potential as an important think tank for the region. He proposed the introduction of North East Development Fellows through the centre, expecting a significant impact on administration and governance in the region.
With the extension of the MoU, the Dr Kalam Centre is expected to work with renewed vigour and commitment across key areas such as training and development, research and consultancy, policy advocacy, knowledge dissemination, and civic engagement.
The centre’s objectives include emerging as a think tank for the NER, providing inputs on resource utilization efficiency, supporting policy implementation, promoting human resource development, stimulating economic growth, and fostering collaboration with various institutions.
The signing of the MoU underscores the collective endeavour to harness the true growth potential of the North Eastern Region and marks a significant milestone in the region’s journey towards development and prosperity.
