Kedi Haralu
Guwahati | January 20
The Assam commercial capital recently hosted the much awaited NE MP’s Forum, where MP’s belonging to both the Upper House and the Lower House, representing their various States in the region took part.
The highlight of the meet was the introduction of the Industrial Policy 2007 by the Central Government in connivance with the Union Ministry of DONER. On paper it seemed the answer to the needs of the Northeast, but when proper and in-depth study was done, it was just another “well dressed” White elephant proposal.
Nagaland MP’s were the most voracious, for as per the MP Rajya Sabha,” Industrial Policy did not benefit the people of the Northeast, excepting Assam and Meghalaya, that too in some small pockets.” The MP RS Nagaland brought out these following points and suggestions:
The reason for the sure failure of the policy was bad roads, lack of Transport and Communication, between the growth area and the Industrial Estate. Another factor was the acute scarcity of generated power in the states, thus the question of setting up any big industries did not arise. Zeliang leveled that without some change in the above structure, no new development would be successful.
The other significant point the Nagaland RS MP, Zeliang brought up in the meeting was co-ordination. He said that before any new Industrial Policy was introduced or even contemplated, DONER Ministry must co-ordinate with other Ministries, such as Power, Agri, Horti, Road Transport, Industries et cetera, in order to draw up a comprehensive plan for development of industries in NE region. “In doing so, potential areas in the NE can be identified, for one could not expect growth in this sector until and unless basic necessities are met,” Mr. Zeliang opined.
The MP also suggested that important roads had to be identified or if necessary constructed, so as to narrow down the distance between the growth area and the Industrial area. Potential developments like existing mini hydro and mini power projects need to be upgraded. “We cannot expect Industrial growth without these basic necessities” Zeliang said. He continued, the funds under NEC NLCPR (Non Lapsable Pool) should be spent on such necessities, with priority.
Lastly, the MP Rajya Sabha from Nagaland, said that there was no point of coming up with bright ideas and adventurous policies if it could not be implemented on ground. The recent example of the Centers indifference was the cancellation of all Boeing Flights from Kolkata to Dimapur (since the end of 1996) and Guwahati to Dimapur flights which is only twice a week, which is most unreliable. To add to the woes of the people of Nagaland, the RAP is forever a hindrance for International tourists as well as National and Local tourists. In this connection, the MP reiterated, numerous NGO’s and State Government had already submitted representations, but the RAP continues to haunt the Tourist businesses and growth in Nagaland, although the Northeast is considered a Tourist hotspot.
The writer is Advisor to Rajha Sabha MP from Nagaland
