(From previous issue)
The NITI forum for the North East helps find problems that slow down growth in the region. It suggests ways to fix these problems so the region can grow better. The forum is led by the Vice Chairman of the NITI Aayog and co-chaired by the Ministry of North East Region.
The government made the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme to help build water supply, power connectivity, schools and hospitals in the region. This makes life better for everyone living there.
Northeast India Policy Shift through MSMEs
The government is trying to help MSME (small and medium-sized businesses) in the Northeast region under the Northeast Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS). This support aims to spread jobs and make sure people have good lives.
After Independence, North-East India focused on heavy industries. MSMEs were not seen as important until later. A report by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) says that small and medium industries make up more than 98% of businesses in most economies. They help with job growth, industrial production, and exports. In India, small and medium businesses have played a big role in the overall industrial economy.
MSMEs are important for growth, fairness, and including everyone in North-Eastern India. Over the past few years, the government has tried to support service sector growth to boost the economy in North-East India. Assam has done better at helping businesses grow.
Today, the government is moving away from policies that hurt the sentiments of people in the northeast. They want to focus on local models and growth. The government knows that each state in northeast India has its own needs and choices. They are trying to understand what people in the region want and make new policies for them.
The government is also working on projects like the National Bamboo Mission and Skill Development Mission. They want to help people learn new skills and use the region’s resources.
Infrastructure Growth in Northeast India
The government wants to invest more in infrastructure, like roads and railways, so it’s easier for people to get around.
In the last two years, 1900 kilometers of roads have been made better in the region. Recently new airports were also opened in some places. There are further new airports and power projects too.
In Assam, there are many road projects that are being finished. These will help the region’s economy grow. The National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation is working on highway projects worth 92,000 crores in the North East.
India is working on a plan for water resources management in the Northeast through the North East Water Management Authority. The government is also looking at ways to improve air travel, eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and tribal tourism in the region.
Northeast India’s Transformation
Today, the northeastern states are going through a big change. They want to become a place where many people invest their money and do business. Countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar surround these states, so they can help India work with other countries in the area. Experts believe that if the northeastern states connect with East Asian countries, there will be an automatic flow of men, material, technology and ideas in the region. The government is working on many big projects to help this happen.
Foreign investment is very important for India’s growth strategy. Japan is helping India with projects like improving water supply in Guwahati and building new roads in the northeast. They are also working on projects for renewable energy and renovation and modernization.
India is trying to work closely with Asian countries to build strong relationships and improve business opportunities. This will not only help the region but also boost India’s GDP. India wants to make its connections with Southeast and East Asia even stronger through its policies.
Northeast India’s Strategic Development
The development of Northeast India will act as a bridge between India and Southeast Asia. The Indian government is giving importance to the infrastructure development of the Northeast region. Projects like the Kaladan Multimodal Transit, India-Myanmar-Thailand Highway, or IMT Highway, show this effort. These projects will help strengthen economic relations with South Asian countries.
The Northeastern states have talented people in sports and athletics. By developing sports infrastructure, India can attract more young people to these activities.
The Northeastern states have a rich culture with great talent in music and dancing. These talents can be supported by the government and civil society. More people from the Northeast can be employed in railways, banks, airlines, oil refineries, and other public sector jobs. This will help boost the region’s social and economic development.
Researchers say that 18% of India’s hydrocarbon reserves are in the Northeastern states. Using these reserves can reduce India’s dependency on foreign energy sources. Small and medium scale industries using bamboo, jute, cane, and medicinal plants can create jobs. These industries can be developed through public-private partnerships.
Ending racism and discrimination against people from the Northeast in other parts of India will help integrate the region better. If the central government takes more dedicated steps against migration and ethnic insurgency, it will further boost development in the area. (Concluded)
Ranjeet Luitel
Uttar Ramdhan Jote, Darjeeling Dist., WB