Who among the following is the ex officio Chairman of the North Eastern Council?

The North Eastern Council (NEC) is a statutory body established under the North Eastern Council Act, 1971, to facilitate the economic and social development of the eight North Eastern states [4]. While the Council was originally chaired by a nominee of the President, the Union Cabinet approved a significant repositioning in 2018 [2]. Under this revised structure, the Union Home Minister serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the North Eastern Council [2]. The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) serves as the ex-officio Vice-Chairman [1]. This alignment brings the NEC's leadership in line with the five Zonal Councils, which are also chaired by the Union Home Minister to ensure better coordination between the Centre and the States [5].

Sources

1. [3] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 27: INTER-STATE RELATIONS > I. Inter-State Comity > p. 407
2. [4] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 16: Inter-State Relations > ZONAL COUNCILS > p. 171
3. [2] https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=179941
4. [1] https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/42539-revamping-north-eastern-council-will-fast-track-development
5. [5] https://www.mha.gov.in/en/page/zonal-council