ECONOMIC CONUNDRUM OF NORTH EASTERN INDIA

The North Eastern States of India have a defined uniqueness and peculiarity in their existence. Remotely located, smaller in size and dictated by cultural and tribal affinities these states have undergone substantial socio - political turbulences before reaching their current state. Always, an integral part of India somehow the natives of this region have carried a strange feeling of alienation against the Indian sentiment. While with passage of time this feeling may be on verge of mitigation these states are now faced with a stark reality of Economic backwardness and lack of development in comparison with rest of India as a whole. The prevalence of large-scale unemployment, drug abuse amongst youth and lack of skill development renders the population quite vulnerable, to exploitation by vested elements thereby steering them towards insurgency & terrorism. In my frequent visits to the region I have come across various sections of population who are deprived of realistic and basic HDI entitlements. Moreover, a strange sense of helplessness looms large wherein the people find themselves trapped in a vicious circle of poverty, lack of basic facilities and little development compounded by the elements of insurgency, terrorism, corruption and rampant parallel black economy. This vicious circle has placed the entire North Eastern Region at a very critical juncture highly vulnerable to external abetment and influences. There exists a critical economic conundrum which restricts actual growth benefits from reaching the true beneficiary thereby creating further resentments against the state. A simple demography that takes pride in its tribal customs and cultural strength some how is not getting its dues thereby creating an adverse environment. This study aims to identify the relevance of these states, especially the economic aspects, and suggest an action plan to achieve holistic development of the region.