. : Between Us : .: 2008

Here, below are scan images of invitation which I received for the unveiling of 'North-Eastern Region Vision 2020'. The august moment to which I am a witness today was called 'a historic moment' by Shri Mani Shankar Aiyer, Union Minister, DONER. The occasian was attended by all the Governors form NE states, and CMs/MPs/state representatives. However, due to the sad demise of Pu Aichhinga, sitting Minister for UD&PV, Government of Mizoram, Mizoram CM could not make it. And thus, my home state-Mizoram is represented by Pu Vanlalzawma, MP. I must accept that the written speech he delivered was rather boring. I wish that Pu Zoramthanga was there to mesmerize the audience with his oratory skill.

It will be inappropriate if I fail to mention the presence of some Union Ministers, to which I can name, Ambika Soni, Jairam Ramesh and Santosh Mohan Dev. Speech given by most dignitaries were no soother to those in the Plenary Hall of Vigyan Bhavan. When Meghalaya CM, Donkupar Roy started his speech, I start to slumber. This I stretched for a brief period. The best speaker to my judgement were Sikkim CM-P K Chamling, Nagaland Minister-T K Zeliang, Arunachal CM-Dorjee Khandu,Union Minister for Tourism and Culture-Shrimati Ambika Soni and Mizoram Governor-M M Lakhera.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh released the ambitious Vision 2020 poverty eradication programme for the north east India today. However, his voice was weak. He seems to look weary. Something rather had occupied his mind. I surely know he is haunted by the fact whether his government will fall or not. I'll be with the PM if he pursue our 'national interest'. He must go to the IAEA and note that 'left is never right'.

The vision document aims to develop the region at par with the rest of India. ‘‘At the time of Independence, the N-E region was among the most prosperous regions of India. Sixty years on, the region as a whole is lagging behind the rest of the country in the most important parameters of growth,’’ the document contends. The vision proposed to establish a common market for the region. It also states, " the policy focus of "look east" policy should shift so that South East Asia begins with North East India itself". It favours the development of inland waterways like the Chhimtuipui in Mizoram. The main thrust of this vision is that gross state domestic product (GSDP) in the north-eastern region would have to grow at 11.8% per year on an average, or at 10.5% in per capita. And this has to be attain within or before the target year i.e. 2020.

The vision document, they claim took more than three year of preparation. It involves people from each and every corner of NE states. They called that it is a vision at the interest of the aam admi, a vision for them.

The public hearing of the vision was held at Aizawl on 7 November 2007. The hearing was chaired by H.V. Lalringa, IAS (Rtd.), former Secretary, NEC. Present in the hearing were people of status, mostly ex-bureaucrats, and politicians. Here, I doubt the peopleness of the 'people's documents'. Anyway, the future is not doom as of now. Let the light shine. Vision must be converted into reality. Right path for its successful implementation is what is necessary.

The document was endorsed last month by eight governors, four chief ministers besides Union Minister for Panchayati Raj and DONER, Mani Shankar Aiyar at a two-day plenary session of North Eastern Council held at Agartala. Shri Aiyarji too, is the present chairman of the NEC.

However, I must repeat, I have a doubt about its success rate. This is not because I am a sceptic,rather it is because I am a realist. Policies and programmes are best design to suit electoral interest especially in Indian democratic system. Did Delhi really look east? Has the concept of purvanchal cross Bengal? A big 'no'. As said before, implementation is a burden. I don't really know whether they have a monitoring system for this bold vision. They called it a 'people's vision'. Will the 'people' be involve in its implementation? Wish Delhi did not point out hurdles in implementing the vision after 5/10 years.

Having started all these with an expense from state exchequer, my prayer are with the government for its successful implementation. It is my hope that I will have a reason(s) to praise the central government in 2021 A.D.

The full text of the 633 pages, in different volumes of the vision document can be downloaded here mdoner.gov.in. Happy reading.