1. Manthan Topic: Sunrise States-Realizing the Growth Potential of North-East
Efficient Bureaucracy+Effective Governance +Explored opportunities
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“A Self Sustained North-East”

2. Human Resource Development – “ An unaccomplished Feat”
•The Total Population Of the North-East States amounts to 38,857,769.
•This population can be tapped wisely in order to utilize it into the development of the region.
•Human development and its growth in North East India are too low as
compared to many countries of the world.
There exists yawning gap between females and males; the rural-urban gap and
State-wise variation is significant over time in the region.

3. “An Extravaganza of Diversified Cultures”
This Diversified Range of cultures can be used for promoting tourism. The Income
Generated from tourism will directly benefit the indigenous people of the North-East.
They get a good chance to expose their Handicrafts and their native products which can
Generate a good amount of income which can be used to improve their livelihood.
An Expo can be organized by the Government of India to project these beautiful
Masterpieces to the rest of India

4. “Transportation-A Hindrance to development”
•70% of the total landmass is covered by mountains and deep valleys. This is a major hindrance
To the development of basic infrastructure which hampers the economic activities of this
region.
•Before 1947, the distance between Guwahati and Kolkata would be less than 600 km against
1,300 km at present; the distance between Agartala and Kolkata would be 350 km against
2,000 km now.
•Sections of people in the north-east have for long felt “alienated” from India’s political, social
and economic mainstream.
•This condition can be eliminated by the effective utilization of Sitwe Port, which is located
nearer to Mizoram .
•“NHAI” can collaborate with the Bangladeshi government for better connectivity between the
North-East states and the mainland of India.

5. Mineral Resources- A Great potential for the future
•Parts of Mokokchung, Longleng and Tuensanj districts have rich deposits of petroleum oil.
•In the Barail range of lower Assam, there is a thick and well-bedded sandstone (80%) and
thin band of shale (20%) with coal seam (1-2 metre thick). All along the foothills of
Assam-Arunachal, scientists have found evidences of rich mineral deposits.
Granite rocks which are of use in day-to-day use in households and industries are located in
and around Shillong. Some of these rocks are found to possess magnetic values.
There are potentialities of iron ore deposits in the northern part of East Garo Hills
district of Meghalaya.
Beyond these belts, traces of gold and copper are also reported to be quite sizable quantity.
The Extraction of these resources should not be privatized . The feeling of “Exploitation “
Should not arise in the minds of the people and should be used for their own benefit.

6. “Integration-An essential step towards progress”
A Survey conducted by CSDS in the year 2006 March shows that only 39% of the population
Of Assam want their identity to be shown as “Indian”.
The Feeling of alienation and isolation from the mainstream “India” should be completely
eliminated in order to achieve progress in the developmental initiatives taken up by the
Government.
“English” should be used as a link for integrating the people of the North-East. It should
be developed and given state patronage and along with encourage the indigenous
Languages of the people.
“Nationalism” should be imbibed in the minds of the people with the help of primary
Education and cultural programmes.

7. “Establishment of North-Eastern Council”-with efficient
functioning
A semi governmental body of civil servants from all the 8 states and a general body
consisting of representatives from all the disciplines of human relations
Eminent human rights activists, local NGO’s and bureaucrats should be made a part of this
general body which looks after the efficient functioning of this body to strengthen the
Cultural ties and eliminating insurgent groups..
This body should aim for progressive development by keeping pace with the people of the
“Sunrise States”. This can help the government function smoothly and catch on with the
Pace of Development.

8. Tackling the problem of insurgency and human rights violations
Re-checking the AFSPA act and ensuring the democratic rights of the people
Ensure free and fair elections
Efficient bureaucracy to tackle the insurgent groups through talks.
Tribal empowerment through employment opportunities.
Controlling the Drug and Arms trafficking Mafia.

9. “Tourism-A potential source of Development”
Wildlife tourism should be promoted in this area which in turn creates a hub for wildlife
Photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. It is the home to the single-horned Rhino and
Tawang monastery.
The National Parks like- Namdapha National Park, Manas National Park, Kaziranga Nationa
Park, Orang National Park, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary ,Sipahijola Wildlife Sanctuary and
Keibul Lamjoa National Park should be patronized by the states.

10. Thanking you for this wonderful opportunity to voice our views for a better
North East which could be the home for India’s integrity, Unity and
Sovereignty.
May it help the North East to turn out to be a better place for you and for me
and the entire Human race…..