In the 68th Plenary of the North Eastern Council (NEC), Arunachal Pradesh like all other member states has conveyed the problems it is plagued with and the vital developmental needs. Every plenary session of NEC always carries importance because it is something very own for the Northeast states and also the most suitable platform to communicate the aspirations of progress. This particular session was more vital in the sense it was the second edition after NEC’s revamp last year that gave an extra edge to it. It’s now under direct control of Union Home Ministry and chases the singular objective of adding pace to development of this arguably most neglected region of the country. This time too, the region’s all pervasive ‘slowness of development’ was a major issue of concern that had been vociferously pointed out. Arunachal had been particularly vocal about this ‘syndrome’, since it has acutely suffered from it in past and is unquestionably suffering at present too. As it has been a continuing bane for the state, it will thus be interesting to see how the new NEC is going to handle the issue of fast-tracking development, which is undoubtedly the need of the hour.

Northeast has always lagged behind the rest of the country when it comes to comprehensive and inclusive development, even if it is blessed with enviable amount of resources, natural beauty and rich & diverse cultures. Geographical remoteness is there, but it will be undeniable that it has been amplified due to lack of the most basic of communication linkages, the most prominent contributor in the deepening of the sense of alienation. Development and the endeavours thereto haven’t picked the desired pace as it should be since decades. All these had been the driving points behind the idea of remodelling NEC with the intention of adopting a different approach to face the unique problems confronted by the region in a much coordinated way.

Arunachal has once again categorically pointed out its long-felt deficiencies of air & rail communication and telecommunication requirements such as mobile and internet connectivity, besides all other infrastructural needs and disaster mitigation goals. But the overwhelming concern that supersedes all others is the fear of missing deadlines of the projects in making. Hollongi Airport for example is more than just a project and is now a prestige issue that requires a ‘must do’ attitude, if 2022 deadline is to be met. There are quite a few other such projects also, completions of which will largely determine the development graph of Arunachal.

To make sure that tangible developments really occur in Northeast, NEC must play a more proactive role with a very strict surveillance mechanism to ensure timely completion of all projects & schemes. Otherwise, dreams will continue remaining as hallucinations.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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