SHILLONG: Over-dependence on central doles, comfort of reservation for the locals with little serious competition and clear lack of collective aspirations have added to the sluggish and laidback syndrome common in the Northeast.
This was stated by former Education Minister Manas Chaudhuri while presenting his views on ‘strategies for development and export promotion in the Northeast’ during the two-day national seminar which began here on Friday.
He said bloodletting, intolerance for “outsiders”, frequent public agitations not only has compelled flight of precious capital from the region but also driven away the prospective investors.
“Above all, there is the perennial problem of funds not reaching their intended recipients and the ubiquitous politico-contractor nexus that seems to have sucked the vitality out of the Region”, he said.
Making a comparison between Northeast and Bangladesh, the most important and immediate neighbour born a month before the Reorganization of the Northeast in 1972 to pave the way for creation of new States in the Region, Chaudhuri said that one is tempted to look at the remarkable strides of development sweeping across Bangladesh, if only to serve as an eye-opener for the Northeast.
“There is a deep sense of commitment at all levels in Bangladesh and a passion to take their country to the top. Just look their turn around in cricket! Despite political unrest and corruption in high places, it is the people’s high aspirations and application which have made the critical difference”, Chaudhuri said while adding that there is a need to revise strategy for tangible results on the part of Northeast.
He also suggested framing a revised plan for the next 25 years for the region thus making the Northeast ready for the Act East Policy.
Restructuring of NEC, quarterly visit of the DoNER Minister to NEC headquarter in Shillong, improvement in roads and surface transport with international standards entirely funded by the Centre, creation of ‘model blocks from the non lapsable funds by the Centre, air link, private investment, and manpower planning for the region were other suggestions.
According to Chaudhuri, it is up to the people of the States who should learn to demand better life, better roads, better amenities, better opportunities at par with the most developed parts of the country.
