North Eastern states of India are trying their best to govern each state according to their abilities, looking into their diverse challenges and aspirations, mainly dependent on the Central Government’s fund outlays. It is equally visible that the Central Government wishes to give due attention to the region in order to bring in peace and usher in the process of integration and development.

Looking into decades of neglect, deep-rooted corruption and insurgency, there is no clear milestone in the economic roadmap besides attention on infrastructure development. The economic activities are limited to consumption rather than production.

There is a need for each district of NE India to identify its production capabilities and develop sustainability and self-sufficiency. If we look into the overall scheme of things ther is no commentary available on the role that NE India will play in the dream of Viksit Bharat besides the use of the so- called word as a slogan.

It is time the Chief Ministers of the small states of NE India start having long-term plans for their states’ economic and industrial growth. Our North Eastern states should give more emphasis on production and not on consumption. When we observe the lifestyle of the NE populace, questions do arise: where are the economic activities happening that the lifestyle of the region is so high? Definitely, it is a question to introspect.

When we look into the political class of NE India, each one is dependent on what the Centre is going to give, rather than proposing to the Centre what we need A good start would be a joint effort by the Eight States to sit on one platform and identify where they can find common ‘economic grounds’ so that an ecosystem can be built to cater to the economic growth of the region and build an industrial corridor where all eight state is contributing as one region.

Maybe the DoNER Ministry can start a process of dialogue between the adjoining states, where they take into consideration how and what can be done to initiate projects and schemes that would contribute to employment generation, build sustainable business activities benefiting multiple states, as well as the region.

It is now the time to think, act and coordinate with each other as ‘One’ and shun identity politics for the sake of the next generation…Stay Enriched.