Realizing The Growth Potential Of North East India

Seven Sister States—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura—and

the Himalayan state of Sikkim

Introduction To North East India

Location : Easternmost Himalayan hills India

Area: 262,230 km2

Population: 38,857,769

Population Density : 148 /km2

Religion: Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Christianity.

Languages Spoken Hindi, English, Assamese, Garo, Jaintia, Khasi, Bengali, Mizo, Manipuri, Nagamese, Lepcha, Limboo, Bhutia (Sikkimese), Bhutia (Tibetan), and several other local dialects.

The Situationo Persisting Problem :

o North Eastern states occupy 8% of India’s geographical area but contribute only 2.3% to its GDP.

o North East shares land borders with five countries, exports from the region form only 0.004% of India’s exports.

o Six of eight North Eastern states have a higher dropout rate in schools than the rest of the country.

o the region also enjoys the highest per capita investment by the Centre, averaging INR 2,574.98, against the all-India average of INR 683.95 yet the development is negligible.

o study suggests that in the decade 2011-2021 there will be only 2.6 million jobs for 17 million job seekers in the North Eastern Region (NER).

Causes of Problem:-

The most important factor of negligence of north east India is the connectivity issue, Sikkim being the only state forming road links between the East India and rest of India, limited number of air flights and rail links.

The lack of government interest towards the development of North East India.

The insurgency problems due to 22 terrorist outfits prevailing in the region and government weak stand towards eradication of the problem.

Corruption level in the governing bodies and mis-utilisation of state development funds.

The mindset of people towards the Eastern natives of our country .

The north eastern states, having a comparatively small electorate (3.8% of India's total population) are alloted 25 out of a total of 543 seats in the Lok Sabha (Which is 4.6% of the total number of seats).

Reason To Select This Topic Te first and formost reason to select this topic was,

on visiting North East India personally , we realised the tremendous potential which this region holds in terms of attracting tourists towards the place, the abundant resources the region as , as well as to inform the citizens of our nations , who are very poor information about North East , thus in a way by this presentation we want to bridge the gap between the east and the rest of our country , clearing the mis conceptions of the people.

Proposed Solution

Various measures which can be taken to maximise growth in North East;- Te first step is to create a sense of

belongingness in the natives of the states with the nation . This involves creating awareness programs , workshops etc.

Taking strong actions against the prevailing insurgent groups , either in terms of diplomatic negotiations or strong armed forces actions.

Improving literacy rate.

Popularisin te local made andicraftsand artifacts in India as well as abroad

Improving connectivity with the rest of India by establishing rail routes , improved road ways , and flits.

North East shares 4500 km long international borders wit countries like Myanmar , China Bhutan, and Bangladesh which can be used to boost trade wit these countries .

Development and investment in the tourism industry of North East which can be the best source of revenue for the government. Te states have a number of historical monuments and beautiful scenic views about which the citizens of our country are unaware ex Logtak Lake in Imhpal- Manipur.

A VIEW OF LOGTAK LAKE IN IMPHAL

IMPACT OF SOLUTION The proposed solutions will boost the

economy in tremendous ways and will curb the poverty in the region.

The mentality and approach towards east India will change which has always been given the least importance.

The artefacts and handicraft skills will become popular world wide

Accessibility to remote areas will improve.

Tourism industry will benefit creating more revenue generating opportunities for the locals.

Diplomatic relationships with neighbouring countries will improve as India will emerge as a strong business partner for these countries.

The basic infrastructure exits, the need is to make it world class.

HORN BILL FESTIVAL VILLAGE -Nagaland

Challenges In Implementing The Solution Te demand for a separate state as

BODOLAND or THE GOORKHA LAND has suddenly increased. People must be made realise that dividing the state into smaller parts , wouldn't benefit them , it will only increase the regional conflicts between the natives.

Changing the mindset of natives and assuring them that allowing development in the area would generate more job opportunities ,

Ensuring that the RIGHT TO EDUACTION reaches remote areas of the eastern states so that people are more aware, of the situation .

Te biggest challenge is to curb the corruption level so that the funds issued towards the development of the eastern part of our country is utilized properly rather than filling pockets of corrupt officials.

Our government must not surrender against the demands of insurgent groups- the biggest reason for the underdevelopment of EAST.

THE TALENT FROM NORTH EAST

Baichung BhutiaSikkimIndia

•The eastern part of our country as always been known for enormous talent which it contains.

•Providing tem infrastructure is directly proportional to the no. of world class athletes that our country will have .

•Not only sports , we have had enormous talent in the fields of music , acting , defences and agriculture from this part of our country .

•Its now upto us, if we want to capitalise on it , or leave it on chance.

WORTH MENTIONING THE TWO

Bhut Jolokia also known a ghost pepper – Product of Assam and Naaland. In 2007, guinness world record certified that the Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia) was the world's hottest chili pepper – 1 Crore + Scoville rating

Doyang Hydro Power Plant – one of a kind in India – extreme level of engineering and optimum and eco friendly use of resources.

On A Final Note North East India ‘‘and its people’’ have been an internal part of

our country and always will be , its the forest reserve of our country , rich in culture heritage and talent, probably one of the most beautiful place on our planet earth.

Yet , it is not given the importance , it deserves , by our national media ,our people and the government of India.

Rich in natural resources , its our responsibility that we develop the area , bring it at power with the rest of our country, and unite it with our mainland.

The place witnessed the toughest battle in the world , ‘’Te battle of Koima durin e second World War, (declared as te worlds bloodiest war ever in te uman istory) , te place as seen enou ardsips, now its te time we realise wat sinificance it olds for our country.

Bibliography Indian Army Database

Wikipedia

Personal Visit to the North East

Tour guide – Manipur and Nagaland

A Presentation By :- Abhishek Badial – Team Co-ordinator

Yatin Khurrana

Shubham Sharma

Vineet Chaudhary

Ankit Miglani

From :- G.B Pant Engineering College