Manthan Topic: Sunrise States-Realizing the Growth Potential of North-East

Efficient Bureaucracy+Effective Governance +Explored opportunities = “A Self Sustained North-East”

Human Resource Development – “ An unaccomplished Feat”

•The Total Population Of the North-East States amounts to 38,857,769.•This population can be tapped wisely in order to utilize it into the development of the region.•Human development and its growth in North East India are too low as compared to many countries of the world.There exists yawning gap between females and males; the rural-urban gap and State-wise variation is significant over time in the region.

“An Extravaganza of Diversified Cultures”

This Diversified Range of cultures can be used for promoting tourism. The Income Generated from tourism will directly benefit the indigenous people of the North-East.

They get a good chance to expose their Handicrafts and their native products which can Generate a good amount of income which can be used to improve their livelihood.

An Expo can be organized by the Government of India to project these beautiful Masterpieces to the rest of India

“Transportation-A Hindrance to development”

•70% of the total landmass is covered by mountains and deep valleys. This is a major hindranceTo the development of basic infrastructure which hampers the economic activities of thisregion.•Before 1947, the distance between Guwahati and Kolkata would be less than 600 km against 1,300 km at present; the distance between Agartala and Kolkata would be 350 km against 2,000 km now.•Sections of people in the north-east have for long felt “alienated” from India’s political, social and economic mainstream.•This condition can be eliminated by the effective utilization of Sitwe Port, which is located nearer to Mizoram .•“NHAI” can collaborate with the Bangladeshi government for better connectivity between the North-East states and the mainland of India.

Mineral Resources- A Great potential for the future

•Parts of Mokokchung, Longleng and Tuensanj districts have rich deposits of petroleum oil. •In the Barail range of lower Assam, there is a thick and well-bedded sandstone (80%) and thin band of shale (20%) with coal seam (1-2 metre thick). All along the foothills of Assam-Arunachal, scientists have found evidences of rich mineral deposits.Granite rocks which are of use in day-to-day use in households and industries are located in and around Shillong. Some of these rocks are found to possess magnetic values.There are potentialities of iron ore deposits in the northern part of East Garo Hills district of Meghalaya.Beyond these belts, traces of gold and copper are also reported to be quite sizable quantity.

The Extraction of these resources should not be privatized . The feeling of “Exploitation “Should not arise in the minds of the people and should be used for their own benefit.

“Integration-An essential step towards progress”

A Survey conducted by CSDS in the year 2006 March shows that only 39% of the population Of Assam want their identity to be shown as “Indian”.

The Feeling of alienation and isolation from the mainstream “India” should be completely eliminated in order to achieve progress in the developmental initiatives taken up by theGovernment.

“English” should be used as a link for integrating the people of the North-East. It shouldbe developed and given state patronage and along with encourage the indigenous Languages of the people.

“Nationalism” should be imbibed in the minds of the people with the help of primaryEducation and cultural programmes.

“Establishment of North-Eastern Council”-with efficient functioning

A semi governmental body of civil servants from all the 8 states and a general body consisting of representatives from all the disciplines of human relations

Eminent human rights activists, local NGO’s and bureaucrats should be made a part of this general body which looks after the efficient functioning of this body to strengthen the Cultural ties and eliminating insurgent groups..

This body should aim for progressive development by keeping pace with the people of the “Sunrise States”. This can help the government function smoothly and catch on with the Pace of Development.

Tackling the problem of insurgency and human rights violations

Re-checking the AFSPA act and ensuring the democratic rights of the people

Ensure free and fair elections

Efficient bureaucracy to tackle the insurgent groups through talks.

Tribal empowerment through employment opportunities.

Controlling the Drug and Arms trafficking Mafia.

“Tourism-A potential source of Development”

Wildlife tourism should be promoted in this area which in turn creates a hub for wildlifePhotographers and wildlife enthusiasts. It is the home to the single-horned Rhino and Tawang monastery.

The National Parks like- Namdapha National Park, Manas National Park, Kaziranga National Park, Orang National Park, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary ,Sipahijola Wildlife Sanctuary andKeibul Lamjoa National Park should be patronized by the states.

Thanking you for this wonderful opportunity to voice our views for a betterNorth East which could be the home for India’s integrity, Unity and Sovereignty.May it help the North East to turn out to be a better place for you and for me and the entire Human race…..