Word of wisdom

THE observation made by former Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Mukut Mithi regarding the Centre’s attitude towards the North-Eastern region should act as an eye opener to those who never miss an opportunity to blame New Delhi for everything that is worng with the North-East. Mr. Mithi was of the view that the North-East in recent years has been receiving care and attention of the Centre. The former Arunachal Pradesh chief minister said that the creation of North Eastern Development Finance Corporation (NEDFi) and an exclusive Ministry for Development of the North-East proved the Centre’s seriousness in ushering a new era of development in the region.

It’s a pity while the need of the hour is an introspection, some people are still continuing with their old habits of attacking the Centre for the diseases the region is suffering from. They never realise that the State Governments of the region have also a role to play in removing backwardness and containing insurgency in particular. Certainly the State Governments’ role cannot be limited to paying salaries to its employees, by diverting the funds meant for development. When asked how he proposed to change the economic scenario of Manipur if entrusted with the responsibility, former Union minister T. Chaoba Singh replied that he would enforce a blanket ban on government appointments, so that the development process does not suffer due to lack of funds. He rued the fact that huge outgo of salary bill of the State Government employees was driving out all resources and development has become a casualty. Not only Manipur, every North-Eastern State is suffering from the same disease.

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