The North Eastern Region Vision 2020 Document was was brought out by NEC and accepted and signed by all the Members of the Council in the 56th Plenary of the NEC on 13th May 2008 at Agartala, Tripura. It was later unveiled by the Government in July, 2008 at New Delhi. Subsequently, seventeen thematic groups incorporating sector experts were constituted by this Ministry to develop specific action plans to operationalize the Vision 2020 Document. These Groups identified broad intervention areas and mechanisms for development of the North Eastern Region during a meeting held in Shillong on 3-4 December, 2008. Action areas suggested by the thematic groups were referred for implementation by the concerned Ministries. Following this, the Ministry has been urging concerned Central Ministries/Departments to formulate relevant socio-economic programmes and projects in the region. Ministries are also invited to spell out their development plans, achievements and ongoing activities in the North Eastern Region during routine meetings of the North Eastern Council and other review meetings. Although detailed quantification of progress made in respect of implementation of NER Vision 2020 is not possible, major infrastructure projects in roads, railways, airways and power have been implemented and telecom connectivity has also improved considerably. The 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17) Document of Planning Commission has observed that larger plan investment and focus on infrastructure development has resulted in average growth of gross domestic product in NE States at 9.8% which was higher than the national average of 8% during the 11th Five Year Plan (2007-2012) period. Presently, the Vision 2020 is undergoing mid-term academic evaluation.