KNOW ABOUT NORTH EAST

 ABOUT NORTH EAST

Northeast people are known to live in harmony with nature, and focused on protecting the environment around them. They hold the highest regards for people, nature and wildlife, and customs which they have inherited from their age-old culture and ancestors. When in Northeast India, do pay your respect, acknowledge, enjoy the culture and natural abundance and spread more love. Use this to learn (unlearn) so you have an enriched experience in pristine Northeast India’s natural habitats.

North-East India, Sixth Schedule, Siliguri corridor, India's Act East Policy, , Bharatmala Pariyojana, Digital North East Vision 2022, National Bamboo Mission, Kaziranga National Park, ASEAN(Association of Southeast Asian Nations)

North-East India, fondly called the land of seven sisters, represents both a geographic and political administrative division of the country. Northeastern Indian States are blessed with a wide range of physiographic and ecoclimatic conditions and the geographical ‘gateway’ for much of India’s endemic flora and fauna.

Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution deals with the provisions for the administration of tribal areas in the states of North-Eastern states: Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, in accordance with Article 244 of the Indian Constitution.

North-East is home to 3.8% of the national population and occupies about 8% of India’s total geographical area. Siliguri corridor, a narrow strip of land in West Bengal, popularly known as “chicken’s neck” connects this region to the rest of mainland India.

The integration of Northeast India into mainstream Indian life has been on the national agenda from the very start of India’s journey as an independent nation. In these areas, cultural and demographic integrity is a major concern that does not receive enough attention in terms of political, economic, social, and technological advancements.

Sustainable travel is about respecting the local customs and making a positive impact on the local people, nature and the economy, leaving low or no ecological footprints. Let’s ensure that we keep nature clean with environmentally friendly travel, recycle and reuse, and leave minimal waste behind. Always prefer locally available, ethically made food and respect the local customs and traditions.

“All the states of the North East region are blessed with natural scenic beauty, distinct historical cultural and ethnic heritage. All this offers tremendous scope for tourism in the region. There is also a great scope for mountaineering, trekking and adventure tourism in the region. If developed and promoted well, this can emerge as the biggest employer in the region. It can also add to the growth and income of the region.” - Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi while addressing the 65th Plenary of the NEC on 27.05.2016. The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region is responsible for the matters relating to the planning, execution and monitoring of development schemes and projects in the North Eastern Region. Its vision is to accelerate the pace of socio-economic development of the Region so that it may enjoy growth parity with the rest of the country.

The North Eastern Region (NER) comprises of eight States viz. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. This region is culturally and ethnically diverse having more than 200 ethnic groups which have distinct languages, dialects and socio-cultural identities. The Region covers 7.97% of the country’s geographical area and 3.78% of its population. It has 5,484 km of international border viz. Bangladesh (1,880 km), Myanmar (1,643 km), China (1,346 km), Bhutan (516 km) and Nepal (99 km). The terrain, the state of socio-economic development and historical factors such as language/ ethnicity, tribal rivalry, migration, control over local resources and long and porous international borders have resulted in a fragile security situation in the North Eastern States. This has resulted in violence, extortion and diverse demands by various Indian Insurgent Groups (IIGs) which maintain safe havens/camps in neighbouring countries. The security situation in NER has improved significantly since 2014. 

States Population(as per Census 2011) Area(sqkm) Percentage All India         Density of Population(per sqkm)

                          Population     Area  

Arunachal Pradesh         13,83,727     83,743             0.11%            2.55%         17

Assam 3,12,05,576     78,438 2.58% 2.39%         398

Manipur 28,55,794     22,327 0.24% 0.68%         115

Meghalaya 29,66,889     22,429 0.25% 0.68%         132

Mizoram 10,97,206     21,081 0.09% 0.64%          52

Nagaland         19,78,502     16,579 0.16% 0.50%         119

Sikkim 6,10,577             7,096         0.05%            0.22%                86

Tripura 36,73,917     10,486 0.30% 0.32%         350

Total NE         4,57,72,188     2,62,179      3.78% 7.97%         173

All India         1,21,08,54,977    32,87,263          -                 -                   382

The North Eastern Region (NER) comprises of eight States i.e seven sisters and one brother viz. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. About this beautiful state you read more in the below.

ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Arunachal Pradesh borders the states of Assam and Nagaland to the south and shares international borders with Bhutan in the west, Myanmar in the east and is separated from China in the north by the disputed McMahon Line. It has an area of 83,743 Sq. Km.  Itanagar is the State Capital. As per the 2011 census, the total population of Arunachal Pradesh was 13,83,727. The literacy rate in the state was 65%. The male literacy rate was 73% and the female literacy rate was 58%. Key Industries include Arts and Crafts, weaving, cane and bamboo, carpet weaving, wood carving, ornaments, tourism and horticulture.

ASSAM

Assam is situated south of the eastern Himalayas along the Brahmaputra and Barak River valleys. Assam covers an area of 78,438 Sq.Km. The state is bordered by Bhutan and the state of Arunachal Pradesh to the north; Nagaland and Manipur to the east; Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram and Bangladesh to the south; and West Bengal to the west via the Siliguri Corridor. Dispur is the State Capital. As per the 2011 census, the total population of Assam was 3,12,05,576. The literacy rate in the state was 72%. The male literacy rate was 78% and the female literacy rate was 66%. Key Industries include tea, coal, oil and gas, Limestone and Cement, agriculture, horticulture, food processing and tourism.

MANIPUR

Manipur shares boundaries with Nagaland to the north, Mizoram to the south, and Assam to the west; Burma (Myanmar) lies to its east. It covers an area of 22,327 Sq.Km. Imphal is the State Capital. As per the 2011 census, the total population of Manipur was 28,55,794. The literacy rate in the state was 77%. The male literacy rate was 84% and the female literacy rate was 70%. Key Industries include handlooms, handicrafts, sericulture, food processing, bamboo processing, Information Technology, hydro power, tourism and mineral-based products.

MEGHALAYA

Meghalaya is bounded to the south by the Bangladeshi divisions of Mymensingh and Sylhet, to the west by the Bangladeshi division of Rangpur, and to the north and east by India's State of Assam. It covers an area of 22,429 Sq.Km. The capital of Meghalaya is Shillong. As per the 2011 census, the total population of Meghalaya was 29,66,889. The literacy rate in the state was 74%. The male literacy rate was 76% and the female literacy rate was 73%. Key Industries include agriculture and food processing, floriculture, horticulture, mining, cement, tourism, hydroelectric power, handlooms, handicrafts and sericulture.

MIZORAM

Mizoram shares the borders with three of the Seven Sister States, namely Tripura, Assam and Manipur and international borders with the neighbouring countries of Bangladesh and Myanmar. It covers an area of 21,081 Sq.Km. The capital of Mizoram is Aizawl.  As per the 2011 census, the total population of Mizoram was 10,97,206. The literacy rate in the state was 91%. The male literacy rate was 93% and the female literacy rate was 89%. Key Industries include bamboo, energy, sericulture agriculture and horticulture, tourism, food processing, IT and medicinal plants.

NAGALAND

Nagaland borders the state of Assam to the west, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam to the north, Myanmar to the east, and Manipur to the south. It covers an area of 16,579 Sq.Km. The state capital is Kohima. As per the 2011 census, the total population of Nagaland was 19,78,502. The literacy rate in the state was 80%. The male literacy rate was 83% and the female literacy rate was 76%. Key Industries include bamboo, agriculture and allied industries, horticulture, sericulture, tourism, minerals and mining.

SIKKIM

It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the north and northeast, Bhutan in the east, Nepal in the west and the Indian state of West Bengal in the south. It covers an area of 7,096 Sq.Km. The state capital is Gangtok. As per the 2011 census, the total population of Sikkim was 6,10,577. The literacy rate in the state was 81%. The male literacy rate was 87% and the female literacy rate was 76%. Key Industries include tourism, agriculture, floriculture, agro-processing, hydroelectric power, tea, large cardamom, minerals, electronics and pharmaceuticals.

TRIPURA

Tripura is bordered by Bangladesh to the north, south, and west, and the Indian states of Assam and Mizoram to the east. It covers an area of 10,486 Sq.Km. The state capital is Agartala. As per the 2011 census, the total population of Tripura was 36,73,917. The literacy rate in the state was 87%. The male literacy rate was 92% and the female literacy rate was 83%. Key Industries include food processing, rubber, tea, bamboo, handloom and handicrafts, sericulture and tourism.

Way forward of North Eastern States

* Act-East from Northeast: Comprehensive implementation of Act East policy is relevant to the entire country but particularly important for the long term growth of the North East.

-The agenda for its implementation must be prepared in active association with the State Governments of North Eastern States.

* Potential Powerhouse of India: Its geo-strategic location and natural resources also makes it a potential powerhouse of India for development and progress.

-A comprehensive framework needs to be developed to make the region a preferred investment location.

-To improve the limited entrepreneurial base, a major capacity building exercise for local entrepreneurs should be taken up.

* Development of Tourism: A key aspect of the development of the North East is tourism, which has the potential to channel the region into mainstream development.

-Some of the famous tourism sites are: Kaziranga National Park famous for the one horned rhinoceros, Dibru Saikhowa in Assam, Namdapha in Arunachal Pradesh.

* Enhancing Connectivity: Connectivity drives commerce, air links to the Northeastern states should be a priority. The development of road and railway projects should be in accordance with disaster-resilient measures.

-Japan has emerged as a major partner in our efforts for the development of the North-East and connectivity to ASEAN( Association of Southeast Asian Nations).

* Political and Social Awareness: It is necessary to foster inclusivity and drive awareness campaigns to change the perceptions from being a neglected, misgoverned, tribal region into a veritable soft power.

* Development of Physical and Social Infrastructure: To support road and bridge construction activities, a separate unit should be established for physical infrastructure viability research.

-Due to lack of higher educational infrastructure in the North East, a very large number of students migrate to other parts of the country for education leading to a drain of both manpower and financial resources

-This re-emphasises the need for setting up centres of excellence for professional and higher education in the North East.

-Furthermore, there is a need to extend digital connectivity and move towards digital inclusion in the North East.

* Land Record Management: The system of maintenance of formal land records in the North East is weak and practically absent in tribal areas.

-This prevents landholders from securing loans and also leads to a number of land-related disputes.

-It is necessary to evolve a credible system of maintenance of land records.

* Northeast- Growing Sports Powerhouse: North East is emerging as a sports and sporting powerhouse of India that drives some of the best sportspersons who go onto becoming icons.

-When Mary Kom (Manipur) won bronze medal at the 2012 Olympics in London and inspired countless girls to take to combat sports, and this year it was Mirabai Chanu (Manipur) bagged silver Tokyo Olympics 2020.

The Significance of North East for India

* Strategic Significance: North-East India is the gateway to South-East Asia and beyond. It is India’s land-bridge to Myanmar.

-India's Act East Policy places the northeastern states on the territorial frontier of India's eastward engagement.

* Cultural Significance: North East India is one of the most culturally diverse areas of the world. It is home to over 200 tribes. Popular festivals include the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland, Pang Lhabsol of Sikkim, etc.

-North-east India is a Dowry-Free Zone.

-The rich tapestry of cultures of Northeast is reflected in its highly developed Folk dance forms like Bihu (Assam).

-Manipur has a tradition of worshipping nature in sacred groves, called UmangLai.

* Economic Significance: Economically, the Region is rich in natural resources of “TOT” (Tea, Oil, and Timber).

-It is a veritable powerhouse with a potential of 50000 MW of hydroelectric power and an abundant reserve of fossil fuels.

* Ecological Significance: North East is a part of Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. It represents one of the highest avian and plant biodiversity of the Indian subcontinent.

-This area has the prestige of having all the bear species present in India.

What are Current Challenges Pertaining to North-East India?

* Isolation From the Rest of India: The region’s accessibility has always remained weak due to geographical reasons and underdeveloped transport links with the rest of India.

-The physical location of northeastern states makes it imperative that they develop in consonance with their neighbours.

-Also, as the region witnesses floods and landslides in the Brahmaputra and Barak Valleys of Assam, considerable strain is exerted on the economy of not only Assam but other North-Eastern states too.

* Lack of Efficient Infrastructure: Infrastructure i.e. physical (like roadways, waterways, energy and so on) as well as social infrastructure (for instance educational institutions, health facilities) plays an important role in human development and economic growth of any region

-One of the reasons for the economic backwardness of the North-Eastern states is the poor state of basic infrastructural facilities.

-The prominent indicators of shortfalls in infrastructure in this region are: increasingly congested roads, power failures, shortage of drinking water etc.

* Slow pace of industrial growth: North-East India has remained historically underdeveloped in terms of industrial growth.

-Post Independence, due to the partition of India, the industrial sector in the Northeast received a serious setback as its trade routes were cut-off with the rest of the country.

-This in turn hindered economic integration with other parts of India and also reduced the attractiveness of the region as a destination of investment.

* Territorial Conflicts: There are existing inter-state and international territorial conflicts within the Northeast that are often based on historical border disputes and differing ethnic, tribal or cultural affinities. Example: Assam-Mizoram Border Dispute.

-With its proactive plans to increase its influence in the region, China remains a major source of concern. The vulnerability of the Siliguri Corridor is a case in point.

* Insurgency and Political Issues: Insurgency or terrorism is a political weapon and is often the result of accumulated anger due to political, economic and social causes.

-The North-Eastern states have witnessed a rise of insurgent activities and regional movements with a feeling of exploitation and alienation from other Indian states.

-Some of the insurgent groups are United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), People’s Liberation Army, National Socialist Council of Nagaland, All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF).

    Also the insurgent groups from North Eastern states they are MoU sign with State and Central government to bring peace and harmony. Recently In presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, a Memorandum of Settlement was signed between Government of India, Government of Assam and representatives of United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) in New Delhi on Friday (December 29) 2023. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Government of Assam were also present during the signing of the MoU. On this occasion, Amit Shah said that today is a golden day for Assam when peace is going to be established in Northeast and Assam, which have been bearing the brunt of violence for a long time.

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