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.

What is 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.
o 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.
o North-east India is a Dowry-Free Zone.
o The rich tapestry of cultures of Northeast is reflected in its highly
developed Folk dance forms like Bihu (Assam).
o 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).
o 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.
o 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.
o The physical location of northeastern states makes it imperative that they
develop in consonance with their neighbours.
o 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
o One of the reasons for the economic backwardness of the North-Eastern states
is the poor state of basic infrastructural facilities.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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).
What are the Recent Government Initiatives for the Development of the
North-East?
 Infrastructure:
o Bharatmala Pariyojana
o Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN
 Connectivity:
o Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project
o India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway
 Tourism:
o Swadesh Darshan Scheme
 Other:
o Digital North East Vision 2022
o National Bamboo Mission
What Should be the Way Forward?
 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
 o This prevents landholders from securing loans and also leads to a number
of land-related disputes.
o 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.
o 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.