Syllabus: Indian Economy: Inclusive growth
Source: EPW
Context: Despite its natural wealth, the North East region in India struggles with infrastructure, market access, and social disparities. This underscores the urgent need for India to enhance integration efforts, unlocking the region’s potential in culture, economy, and environment.
What is the North-East Region of India?
North-East India, known as the land of seven sisters, is a distinct geographic and political division of India. It boasts diverse physiographic and ecoclimatic conditions, serving as a gateway for India’s unique flora and fauna.
Significance of North-East Region:
| Significance | Example |
| Strategic Geopolitical Location | Economic corridors like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway |
| ‘Act East’ policy | |
| Rich Biodiversity and Natural Resources | Biodiversity hotspots |
| Oil, natural gas, and coal reserves | |
| Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Mosaic | Over 220 ethnic groups and dialects |
| Cultural tourism potential | |
| Agricultural and Horticultural Potential | Organic farming, high-value crops |
| Cultivation of medicinal plants | |
| Hydroelectric Power Generation | 58,000 MW hydropower potential |
| Contribution to renewable energy goals | |
| Tourism Potential | Kaziranga, Meghalaya’s living root bridges |
| Adventure tourism opportunities | |
| Human Resource Development | High literacy rate and young population |
| Potential for innovation and entrepreneurship |
Issues with the North East:
- Economic Underdevelopment and Unemployment: The region’s economy remains largely agrarian with limited industrialization.
- High youth unemployment fuels social unrest and out-migration, creating a brain drain.
- Infrastructure Deficit and Connectivity Issues: Despite efforts like the Act East Policy, the region lags in infrastructure development. Example: Slow progress of projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway hampers economic integration.
- Agricultural Challenges: Limited success in promoting organic farming despite initiatives.
- Climate Change and Environmental Degradation: Example: The devastating 2022 Assam floods affected millions, showcasing the region’s vulnerability.
- China’s Growing Influence and Border Disputes: Example: clashes in Tawang (December 2022) and Dokhlam highlight tension.
- Drug Trafficking and Cross-border Crime: Vulnerability to drug trafficking from the Golden Triangle.
- Political Instability and Governance Issues: Frequent changes in government leadership hinder policy continuity. Example: Political instability in states like Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh affects governance and development planning.
Government Initiatives:
| Initiative | Description |
| Infrastructure | |
| Bharatmala Pariyojana | National highways development project aimed at improving road connectivity across the country. |
| Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN | Enhances air connectivity to underserved regions, including Northeast India, promoting tourism and trade. |
| Connectivity | |
| Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project | Aims to connect India’s Northeast with Myanmar’s Sittwe Port to facilitate trade and economic activities. |
| India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway | Strategic highway project to improve road connectivity between India, Myanmar, and Thailand. |
| Tourism | |
| Swadesh Darshan Scheme | Promotes integrated development of tourism infrastructure in theme-based circuits, including Northeast destinations. |
| Other | |
| Digital North East Vision 2022 | Aims to digitally empower Northeast India through improved connectivity and access to digital services. |
| National Bamboo Mission | Promotes bamboo cultivation and utilization to enhance livelihoods and economic growth in the region. |
Way forward:
| Solutions | Description |
| Act-East from Northeast | Implement Act East policy comprehensively, collaborating closely with Northeastern state governments. |
| Enhancing Connectivity | Prioritize air links and road projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway for economic integration. |
| Development of Tourism | Promote tourism at sites like Kaziranga National Park; develop infrastructure under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. |
| Promoting Entrepreneurship | Conduct capacity building for local entrepreneurs; support initiatives like the National Bamboo Mission. |
| Education and Digital Connectivity | Establish centres of excellence for higher education; extend digital connectivity under Digital North East Vision 2022. |
| Infrastructure Development | Research viability for physical infrastructure; focus on disaster-resilient road and bridge construction. |
| Land Record Management | Improve land record systems to resolve disputes; for example: implementing a credible land record maintenance system. |
| Sports and Cultural Promotion | Support sports talents as exemplified by athletes like Mary Kom and Mirabai Chanu; promote regional sports infrastructure. |
Mains Link:
“The simmering North East India has awaited a healing touch since Independence”. Explain. (10M)
Prelims Link:
- Which Schedule of the Constitution of India contains special provisions for the administration and control of Scheduled Areas in several States? (UPSC 2008)
(a) Third
(b) Fifth
(c) Seventh
(d) Ninth
Ans: (b)
