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NORTH-EASTERN STATES

NORTH-EASTERN STATES

North-East India, fondly called the land of seven sisters, represents both a geographic and political administrative division of the country. Northeastern Indian States are blessed with a wide range of physiographic and ecoclimatic conditions and the geographical ‘gateway’ for much of India’s endemic flora and fauna.Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution deals with the provisions for the administration of tribal areas in the states of North-Eastern states: Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, in accordance with Article 244 of the Indian Constitution.

North-East is home to 3.8% of the national population and occupies about 8% of India’s total geographical area. Siliguri corridor, a narrow strip of land in West Bengal, popularly known as “chicken’s neck” connects this region to the rest of mainland India.

The integration of Northeast India into mainstream Indian life has been on the national agenda from the very start of India’s journey as an independent nation. In these areas, cultural and demographic integrity is a major concern that does not receive enough attention in terms of political, economic, social, and technological advancements.

Importance of North East for India

• Strategic Significance: North-East India is the gateway to South-East Asia and beyond. It is India’s land-bridge to Myanmar.
• India's Act East Policy places the northeastern states on the territorial frontier of India's eastward engagement.
• Cultural Significance: North East India is one of the most culturally diverse areas of the world. It is home to over 200 tribes. Popular festivals include the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland, Pang Lhabsol of Sikkim, etc.
• Ecological Significance: North East is a part of Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. It represents one of the highest avian and plant biodiversity of the Indian subcontinent.
• This area has the prestige of having all the bear species present in India.

Current Challenges Pertaining to North-East India

• Isolation From the Rest of India: The region’s accessibility has always remained weak due to geographical reasons and underdeveloped transport links with the rest of India. The physical location of northeastern states makes it imperative that they develop in consonance with their neighbours. Also, as the region witnesses floods and landslides in the Brahmaputra and Barak Valleys of Assam, considerable strain is exerted on the economy of not only Assam but other North-Eastern states too.
• Lack of Efficient Infrastructure: Infrastructure i.e. physical (like roadways, waterways, energy and so on) as well as social infrastructure (for instance educational institutions, health facilities) plays an important role in human development and economic growth of any region One of the reasons for the economic backwardness of the North-Eastern states is the poor state of basic infrastructural facilities. The prominent indicators of shortfalls in infrastructure in this region are: increasingly congested roads, power failures, shortage of drinking water etc.
• Territorial Conflicts: There are existing inter-state and international territorial conflicts within the Northeast that are often based on historical border disputes and differing ethnic, tribal or cultural affinities. Example: Assam-Mizoram Border Dispute.
• Insurgency and Political Issues: Insurgency or terrorism is a political weapon and is often the result of accumulated anger due to political, economic and social causes. The North-Eastern states have witnessed a rise of insurgent activities and regional movements with a feeling of exploitation and alienation from other Indian states. Some of the insurgent groups are United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), People’s Liberation Army, National Socialist Council of Nagaland, All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF).

Way Forward

• Act-East from Northeast: Comprehensive implementation of Act East policy is relevant to the entire country but particularly important for the long term growth of the North East.The agenda for its implementation must be prepared in active association with the State Governments of North Eastern States.
• Potential Powerhouse of India: Its geo-strategic location and natural resources also makes it a potential powerhouse of India for development and progress. A comprehensive framework needs to be developed to make the region a preferred investment location. To improve the limited entrepreneurial base, a major capacity building exercise for local entrepreneurs should be taken up. A key aspect of the development of the North East is tourism, which has the potential to channel the region into mainstream development. Some of the famous tourism sites are: Kaziranga National Park famous for the one horned rhinoceros, Dibru Saikhowa in Assam, Namdapha in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Enhancing Connectivity: Connectivity drives commerce, air links to the Northeastern states should be a priority. The development of road and railway projects should be in accordance with disaster-resilient measures. Japan has emerged as a major partner in our efforts for the development of the North-East and connectivity to ASEAN( Association of Southeast Asian Nations).
• Enhancing Connectivity: Connectivity drives commerce, air links to the Northeastern states should be a priority. The development of road and railway projects should be in accordance with disaster-resilient measures. Japan has emerged as a major partner in our efforts for the development of the North-East and connectivity to ASEAN( Association of Southeast Asian Nations).