An Interview With Manishankar Aiyar
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Mani: The concept papers of both DONER and NEC would be merged into a single paper in a meeting in January (2008). In the mean time, Phalguni Raj Kumar, Secretary of NEC is working on how these paper could be merged. Basic point to understand is that the existing Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) and NEC funds become too small in proportion to the proposed 10 per cent GBS. The role of DONER must be to go beyond NLCPR. It should be a ministry for development of the region. we propose that our ministry at Delhi should have a much more active role in bringing to the attention of the union ministries, the priorities that the states have in respect of the 10 per cent GBS spending. Secondly, there is a need to have more technical expertise in our ministry, so that we don’t have to refer everything and anything to the lined ministries. To the extent possible we ourselves are able to effect clearances. Thirdly, we should be in a position to advise the state government on technical matters .
As far as NEC is concerned, the act itself will modify as how NEC would act as the regional advisory planning body. The concept paper deals as how the NEC can actually function as regional advisory planning body, what would be its relation to Planning Commission as well as with the states. We need to conceive in such a way that DONER ministry act as an envoy to the eight northeastern states and NEC at Shillong act as eyes, ears, voice of the central government vis a vis northeast states.
Being specific to the power sector, we would like to know your views on the estimates, which profess that sixty per cent of the power need of the North- East can be addressed, if hydro electricity potential of the region is fully tapped.
Mani: We had summit at Pashighat (Arunachal Pradesh) on power. Power is the first and highest requirement for any kind of development. However, mega projects have huge gestation period. On the top of it such projects invite lots of local resistance from locals, especially on the issue of resettlement. At present the focus is on three modes : first is mini hydel projects, second is exploitation of non- conventional sources like solar power, biomass. Next in the league is strengthening distribution, transmission and sub transmission systems.
Tourism is another potential sector, which can contribute significantly to the development of northeast. Shillong is termed as the Scotland of the East. Similarly each state have their own scenic beauty, which are still virgin. Your views.
Mani: We had a meeting in Gangtok last April and we are sincerely following it. The first and foremost issue which must be addressed is removal of the general perception that the region is unsafe as a tourist destination. To make a beginning, the best would be with government servants who get leave travel concession. On 16th January we are organising a major conference of 2000 government employees, to show them, educate them, about the real security situation as how safe it is to be in most of the region apart from acquainting them with the tourist facilities.
By early February we would be holding an exhibition on lawns of India gate to explore on the possibilities. After that we will be bringing together all aspects related to promotion of tourism. For example, awareness creation through publicity, promotion of specific destinations. Its not enough to have beautiful place that the northeast is. There are also question of connectivity and accommodation, which is crucial for a place to become a hot spot of tourism. The whole northeast is required to be looked upon integrally.
If we attempt to decode the militancy factor prevalent in the region, youth unemployment is cited as one of the most important reason. What is your ministry doing in that respect.
Mani: Solution to unemployment lies in generalised economic development that needs to take place largely at the grass root level. We are trying to address the issue in the “poverty eradication programme” ( mentioned earlier) and also in vision 2020. Here I would like to single out sports as a major avenue for employment. However, talking about unemployment, there is also a need to combat drug abuse, as also HIV/AIDS which is more acute among the youth as against the older people. We need to mobilise the totality of the resources in terms of human power as well as in terms of money. We also need to ensure that 10 per cent of the GBS is spend in consultation with local state governments so as to give them a sense of involvement and participation.
You singled out sports as one area where the youth can be engaged. Manipur is one state that has contributed significantly to athletics. A number of athletes from the state have represented the country, both at the national and international level. What is the