Northeast region breaks with the past and witnesses a new era of resurgence, says vice-president

New Delhi [India], October 9 (ANI): Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said on Saturday that the North East Region (NER) is now decisively breaking away from its troubled past and witnessing a new era of resurgence (NER) as witnessed substantial improvement in the economic situation and human development indices, expansion of infrastructure development and a sharp decline in insurgency over the past seven years.

He referred to the insurgency and poor infrastructure in the region which have limited the flow of private investment leading to a development deficit and said the region is firmly committed to breaking with such a past.

“I am happy to note that the vital North-East Region has firmly resolved to break with such a past to script a new future by shaping the present in this direction. The plethora of completed and ongoing infrastructure projects and the evidence of socio-economic development is a clear indicator in this regard, ”he said at an extraordinary session of the Legislative Assembly of Arunachal. Pradesh.

Naidu, who is chairman of Rajya Sabha, noted that the gap between intentions and actions on the ground for the development of the region over a long period led to the Prime Minister’s “East Policy” in 2014, which is implemented with new energy and focus.

He noted that while the country’s net national income per capita improved by 60% from that of 2013-14, the increase in net domestic product per capita of 6 of the 8 northeastern states was more than that.

The state net domestic product per capita of five of the eight states in the region was greater than or nearly equal to that of the NNI per capita in 2018-2020, compared to only two states in 2013. -2014.

He also informed that when it comes to social development, measured in terms of the Human Development Index (HDI), seven of the eight states in the region performed better than the country’s index in 2019. With a Literacy rate of 78.50 percent, the region does better than 74 percent for the country.

Referring to the much-needed return of peace to the region through the efforts of the central government, Naidu said that compared to 2013, insurgency-related incidents decreased by 70%, civilian deaths by 80% and losses among the security forces. 78% in 2019. He noted that the recent signing of the comprehensive Bodo and Karbi Anglong agreements reflects the concern to herald an era of peace in the region.

Expressing concern over the functioning of the country’s legislatures, Naidu, while referring to the one to six annual sessions of the Legislative Assembly of Arunachal Pradesh in 2015-2020, urged states in the region to sit more long time. He stressed the need for meaningful debates and discussions to decide issues concerning the nation and the people. He wanted lawmakers to focus on 3Ds – debate, discussion and decision.

Pointing out that there were only 20 women MPs in the 8 legislatures in the region, representing only 4% of the total of 498, Naidu said: “There are strong arguments in favor of the involvement of a more women members in law making in the region. . Even in parliament, women make up only 11 percent “.

Noting that 12 of the 17 state and regional parties of the NER were in power, the vice president said: “This order of massive participation of parties at state level in the governance of this region with a population of about 5 crores, in conjunction with the parties, is a statement of alignment of local aspirations with national ambitions. This should lead to proportionate results that serve the interests of the region and the nation ”.

He also highlighted the need for state governments to transfer 29 subjects and delegate 3 F – functions, funds and officials to local bodies in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

Emphasizing that the current decade is critical for the region to catch up on missed opportunities and time, Naidu suggested a 15-point framework for focused action.

He notes that ethnic groups must be guided by the spirit of shared destiny; resolution of inter-state border disputes; put an end to the vestiges of insurgency and violence; promote private investment; tackle dual development and the democratic deficit; target self-sufficiency through the promotion of productive economic activities and the creation of assets to reduce dependence on central transfers; effective governance ensuring accountability and transparency for the efficient use of resources; the involvement of communities in the formulation and execution of policies and projects, entrepreneurship and skills development and sustainable development.

The Vice President also said that India has always been a peace loving country and has never attacked any other country. India has never harbored expansionist ambitions either. “From Arunachal Pradesh to the Andamans and Kashmir to Kanyakumari, India is a country and there will be no compromise on its unity and integrity. India will not tolerate outside interference in its affairs either. “, did he declare.

Complimenting the government of Arunachal Pradesh, MPs and other stakeholders for the advancement of the state, Naidu called for targeted efforts to address concerns about infant mortality rate, high school dropout, sex -ratio, literacy and the road network. He urged everyone to work for an India free from poverty, illiteracy, corruption and discrimination. (ANI)