Development of NE is key for India’s development: Assam Governor

Development of NE is key for India’s development: Assam Governor

Guwahati, July 17 (HS): Assam Governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi said that India cannot develop without the development of North East and without a resurgent relation between Northeast and ASEAN countries, the region cannot prosper and Act East Policy cannot succeed.

Interacting with the students of St. Joseph  College, Jakhama in Kohima today on the topic natural resources, skill manpower and development of Northeast, Governor Prof. Mukhi said, “Development of North East has to be viewed not just from a domestic perspective – but also in the context of the neighbourhood of India. The development of the Northeast is tied with the development of India’s neighbours that is countries of ASEAN. Friendly partner countries from other regions are essential for our Northeast vision which can contribute substantially for a comprehensive development of the Northeast, India and ASEAN as a whole”.

The Governor also said, “Since, development of northeast region is very vital for the development of the entire country, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given unprecedented importance for the development of North East. Acknowledging the vast potential of the region, he has termed NE as the New Engine for the country’s growth and has enunciated Act East Policy to stimulate the region’s development”.

Northeast of India is endowed with huge untapped natural resources and is acknowledged as the treasure trove which can stimulate development of entire country in sync with the nature. Prof. Mukhi said Northeast has an amazing social and cultural ecosystem which few regions of the world can claim. This diversity the Governor added is an inspiration for everybody.

Governor Prof. Mukhi stated that the geographical location of Northeast makes it an obvious gateway to India, linking the vast economies of the Indian subcontinent and of today’s ASEAN countries. In this backdrop, the Governor urged upon the students to go for multi-pronged approach for their empowerment to tap the potential of the region. He also asked them to shoulder the responsibility of increasing the prosperity of region by being its brand ambassadors.

Prof. Mukhi also said that Northeast shares land borders with Myanmar, Bangladesh and Bhutan. Many of ASEAN capitals are within 2,000 kilometre flying distance from Guwahati.  Already flight services have taken off connecting Guwahati with Thimphu, Singapore and Dhaka. There is a motorable road link, the ASEAN trilateral highway connecting North East and ASEAN countries. Government of India is working to improve this land route, the Governor added.

Government of India has adopted a multi-modal programme, across land, water and air to increase the connectivity of the region between India and its eastern and southeast Asian neighbours. The Governor also said that for Government of India development of the Northeast is an urgent and paramount importance. In the last few years, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura have been brought under the railway map. Road building in the region is busier than it has ever been. Border roads, national highways and state roads are all being built or improved. Incorporated in July 2014, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation is working with a special focus on the Northeast. The creation of infrastructure in smaller cities and airports under UDAN, along with more and more flights, is making the skies of the Northeast buzz with traffic. Under UDAN, the scheme of construction of Greenfield Airport at Ciethu, Kohima are on the pipe line. Moreover, to augment air services in Nagaland three new routes were taken up. Dimapur will be connected with Guwahati, Imphal and Dibrugarh, the Governor added. He also stated that for a revamped rail connectivity, in the Union Budget 2019-20, a sum of Rs. 500 crore has been allocated connecting Dimapur with Kohima.

The Governor also emphasised that though Nagaland is rich in natural resources, its real wealth lies in its young demographic profile. The respective governments are trying in optimising its strengths and opportunities; its agricultural base and employment of the youth.

Prof. Mukhi also said that the Central Government  is working to stimulate economic development of the State based on three broad issues. First, to incentivise farmers to expand the scale of commercial production. Second, to create employment opportunities in the non-agricultural sectors to absorb the educated unemployed and third, to ensure that regionally balanced growth takes place.

Prof. Mukhi also called upon the students to augur keen interests and involve themselves into an actionable narrative to stimulate the development of Northeast and contribute proactively to become a key partner in the growth momentum of the country.