By Manthan, Organised by the Citizens for Accountable Governance
- The North Eastern states occupy 8% of India’s geographical area but contribute to only 2.3% of the country’s GDP.
- The rail network in the North East form only 3.7% of the national rail network.
- At current trends it is predicted that in the decade of 2011-2021 there will be only 2.6 million jobs for 17 million job seekers in the North Eastern Region.
- The North East shares land border with five countries but its contribution to national exports is less than 0.004%.
- The region’s average literacy rate stands at 79.64% vs. the national average of 74.04% according to the 2011 census.
- The Institute of Conflict Management estimates that 5283 people have been killed due to insurgency related events in the North-East since 2005.
Overview
Endowed with huge untapped natural resources and a highly literate population, the strategically located North Eastern Region (NER) continues to suffer from insurgency and remains alienated from the economic resurgence that the rest of India is experiencing. Therefore development of the NER is vital for the successful implementation of India’s ‘Look East Policy’, which envisages closer trade and cultural linkages with East Asia, and for the promotion of inclusive growth. According to the Central Statistical Organization in 2009 the per capital net state domestic product, an indicator of income, of the eight North Eastern States stands at INR 19,103 against the national average of INR 24,295.
Interestingly the North Eastern States enjoyed the highest per capita investment by the Centre, averaging INR 2,574.98 against the all-India average of INR 683.95during the 11th Five Year Plan. Though the North East has a significant well educated speaking population, absence of job opportunities has meant that majority of funds are diverted to finance consumption rather than productive investment.
And while a significant share of the state budgets is allocated for development, according to a Finance Commission report, the region has the lowest levels of infrastructure in the country.For example of the 50,000 MW power potential identified in the region, less than a quarter has been developed.
Recognizing the general backwardness of the region, the Government of India has set up specialized agencies such as DONER (Department of North Eastern Region) and the NEC (North Eastern Council)
SOME CHALLENGES
- The North East’s hilly terrain is usually considered as a major impediment to boost transport connectivity. However mountainous countries such as South Korea have successfully managed to overcome such barriers.
- National security and local insurgency prevent investment and trade. Paradoxically security concerns also arise due to absence of economic growth.
- Issues pertaining to the NER often fail to enter the national discourse. According to The Centre for Media Studies, North Eastern states were given less the 1% coverage on the front page by leading dailies in 20121.
THE NEXT STEPS
India’s inclusive growth would be incomplete if the eight north eastern states do not enjoy the same rate of industrialization and socio-economic growth enjoyed by rest of the country. The North East’s strategic location, natural resources and literate population are its key assets. There is a pressing need to address the unique challenges of this region and usher a new dawn of prosperity in this part of the country.
Manthan calls for innovative policy solutions from young enthusiasts .
Manthan is a National level competition organised by the Citizens for Accountable Governance. The competition seeks to bring together India’s youth to present innovative and effective solutions to the top 14 problems facing the Indian economy and society in general. The winners of the competition will get an opportunity to present their recommendations to the top leadership of the two principal national political parties and thought leaders from other domains.
About 7,500 students from across the country, the top leadership of the two principal national political parties and thought leaders from other domains come together at the Thyagaraj Sports Complex, New Delhi on 2nd October, 2013. We believe that Manthan will be a unique opportunity for the youth to help set the agenda for the 2014 General Elections.
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