In March 2009, Mr. Sangma took over the reigns of affairs of the North Eastern Council when he took over as Secretary, a post he is holding till this day.
Eastern Panorama recently met with Mr. Sangma at his office and discussed various issues related to NEC. The following are excerpts from that interview:
E.P – What is the role of NEC in implementing the much talked about Vision 2020?
U.P.S – The role of NEC in implementing the Vision 2020 lies mainly in drawing up Regional Plans for the North Eastern Region on the basis of what is spelt out in the Vision NER 2020. As per the Vision document, a investment will be required to fulfill the Vision. This kind of investment can not be met only from the NEC budget. The large investment necessary for the socio – economic development of the region will have to come from both the public and private sectors, the Union Government of India, the State Governments in the region and the NEC. After all, the Central Government is committed to spend 10% of the GBS of 49 non – exempt Ministries in the North Eastern Region. However, the State Governments should come forward to put in place enabling conditions for attracting private investments into the region.
E.P – There has been much talk these days about the Look East Policy. What is your opinion on the Look East Policy and to what extent is it likely to transform the economy of the region?
U.P.S – The Look East Policy (LEP) has already had a very significant impact in the realm of policies and India has significantly deepened the interaction of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). Being a land – locked region with 98% of the border contiguous to Bangladesh, Bhutan, China and Myanmar, the LEP is important for promoting the economic ties of the NER states with these neighbours with a view to end their economic isolation and minimize the economic deprivation. Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura would benefit immensely from the Look East Policy since these states are contiguous to Bangladesh. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India in January 2010 certainly opened a new chapter in the India – Bangladesh relations. The Joint Comminique issued during the visit outlined a range of areas for bilateral cooperation. Both the countries agreed to enhance cooperation in trade and investment, culture, water resources and human resource development. In order to take advantage of this development, the NEC has sponsored a study to assess the pattern of border trade, constraints and identification of products for trade with the neighbouring countries.
E.P– Don’t you feel that the people in the North Eastern Region are sensitive to local conditions and as such what will be their response to this development strategy?
U.P.S – Yes, the people of the region are very sensitive to the local conditions and invariably want in – situ development. That is, development in their respective localities/ region and on their terms for better livelihood and economic conditions. They also have the indigenous knowledge and maturity to utilize local resources in improving their economic conditions. Therefore, they have always given very positive responses to developmental initiatives taken up by the NEC since this body has always consulted the people of this region while framing policies.
E.P – Don’t you feel that there is a need for more vibrant activities by NEC in the region?
U.P.S – Certainly there is a need for more vibrant activities by the NEC especially after the reconstruction of the NEC in 2002. In this regard, the NEC Secretariat, pursuant to the recommendation of the Report of the Committee on Revitalisation of North Eastern Council 2004 submitted a proposal to the Government of India for strengthening the NEC Secretariat. The decision on the same is still awaited. Once this proposal is through, the NEC would be more vibrant in its activities.
E.P – North East India is a tourist paradise but lacks tourist infrastructure. Is NEC involved in promoting and developing tourism in the region?
U.P.S – Yes, the NEC is involved in the promotion of tourism and is now getting a comprehensive Master Plan on Tourism prepared by M/s Tata Consultancy Services, Mumbai for further necessary action. It may be mentioned that pursuant to the decision in the Gangtok Summit in April 2007 on tourism and hospitality, the Government of India has considered reimbursement under LTC 80 scheme of Air India.
E.P – How has the change in the NEC (Amendment) Act 2002 affected the functioning of the Council?
U.P.S – It may be mentioned here that an Amendment to the NEC Act 1971 had been passed by Parliament long before the Report of the Committee on Revitalisation of North Eastern Council 2004 was prepared and placed before the Government of India (this report was brought out in 2004 and the said Amendment was passed on 23rd December 2002). This Amendment, for the first time, provided for inclusion of three members to be nominated by the President in addition to the ex – officio members. However, this change took effect in 2005.
The NEC has made tremendous strides in the implementation of various projects in the North Eastern Region. The amended NEC Act provides the NEC with the mandate to function as the Regional Planning Body for the North East and while formulating the regional plans to give priority to schemes and projects which will benefit two or more states (except in the case of Sikkim). In addition, as per another recommendation of the Government of India, the NEC is also supposed to review the implementation of projects and schemes and recommend measures for effecting coordination in the matter of implementation of such projects and schemes.
The NEC Amendment Act 2002 has widened the jurisdiction of NEC from 7 states of the North East Region to 8 states by the inclusion of Sikkim in its fold. However, except for having two full – time members of NEC and one ex – officio member from the Planning Commission, NEC is still facing a shortage of manpower at various levels which, in fact, is making it an inconvenience in the functioning of the NEC Secretariat. Pursuant to the recommendation of the Report of the Committee on Revitalisation of North Eastern Council 2004, several proposals had been submitted to the Government of India for strengthening of the NEC Secretariat and the latest one, with a proposal of new posts at various levels, was submitted to the Government of India in the month of February 2009. The decision on the same is still awaited. In these circumstances, serious competence gap in the NEC Secretariat continues to persist for want of required manpower. The Committee on Revitalisation of the North Eastern Council has mooted, in its report, a proposal to introduce an incentive package for the employees of the NEC. The Ministry of DoNER is said to have prepared such a comprehensive proposal and sent it to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) for consideration.
E.P – NEC has been funding road projects for more than three decades. Don’t you think this is a duplication of funding as the State Governments, Central Government and National Highways are also funding road projects?
U.P.S – The question of duplication does not arise as the NEC takes up road projects which are inter – state in nature. Inter – state roads in the North Eastern Region are not funded by the State Governments or the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). Hence, the NEC since its inception has funded the construction of inter – state roads in the region.