ripartite Agreement Renews Commitment to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Policy Research and Analysis in the Northeast

Shillong: A significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked on February 13, 2024, at the NEC Secretariat in Shillong, continuing the collaboration between the North Eastern Council (NEC), Indian Institute of Management Shillong (IIM Shillong), and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER). The signing ceremony, attended by key officials, including Shri Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, MDoNER, Shri Moses K Chalai, Secretary, NEC, and Prof. D.P Goyal, Director, IIM Shillong, solidified the commitment to operate the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Policy Research and Analysis.

Established through a tripartite agreement signed on October 15, 2016, the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Policy Research and Analysis aims to emerge as a state-of-the-art center facilitating proper planning and execution of projects in North East India. The center, born out of the visionary late President Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam’s legacy, is designed to promote innovation, serve as a repository of best practices, and assist in the socio-economic development of the region.

Speaking at the occasion, Prof. D.P Goyal, Director, IIM Shillong, expressed his happiness and reflected on the significant strides made by the Dr. Kalam Centre in recent years. He emphasized the importance of extending the MoU to deepen the relationship between the three vital agencies and strengthen the commitment towards the development of the northeastern region.

Shri Moses Chalai, Secretary NEC, expressed satisfaction with how the Centre has lived up to expectations. He urged the center to deliberate on the policies and guidelines of the central government, keeping them dynamic to align with the aspirations of the region. Shri Chalai expressed happiness in completing the construction of the administrative building of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Centre, sponsored by the Ministry of DoNER through NEC, and called for a formal inauguration of the center.

Shri Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, MDoNER, conveyed his best wishes to the center, expecting it to emerge as an essential think tank for the region. He highlighted the need for introducing North East Development Fellows through Dr. Kalam Centre from IIM Shillong, emphasizing its potential impact on administration and good governance in the region. He assured all possible support from MDoNER in developing the center.

Shri Atul Kulkarni, Member, Board of Governors, IIM Shillong, who joined virtually, underlined the importance of Dr. Kalam Centre in meeting the aspirations of the region, spanning entrepreneurship, education, policy development, or training. The center plays a pivotal role in facilitating state governments in delivering good governance.

With the extension of the MoU, Dr. Kalam Centre is poised to work with increased rigor and commitment. The center will focus on key areas such as Training and Development, Research and Consultancy, Policy Advocacy, Knowledge Dissemination, and Civic Engagement. The objectives include emerging as a ‘think tank’ for the North Eastern Region, providing inputs on resource utilization, contributing to the implementation of policies and programs, promoting human resource development, networking with institutions of excellence, and undertaking research and analysis on the development agenda of the NER.

The Dr. Kalam Centre is expected to collaborate with the North Eastern Council, states, eminent institutions, and national-level organizations to harness the true growth potential of the region. The MoU extension marks a significant step towards fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and socio-economic development in North East India.