What to do now?

Now, it is fairly clear that the North Eastern Region including Manipur has to go with the process of globalization otherwise crippling inefficiencies of prolonged isolation may intensify the long shadow of pre-mature future of this small open economy of Manipur.

Given the hard fact of a new reality that globalization is a visible process of new equations of productive forces, it may be highly imperative for us to equip the State with a thoroughly redesigned policy initiatives and policy coordination;
— with the new mandates of root and branch transformation,
— duly inspired by a New Socio-Economic Vision of its own
— say Economic Freedom of Manipur by 2020 or New Millennium Goals of Manipur,
— not necessarily a mere extension of national exercise.

The Vision may go a long way in addressing the old age concern of overtaxation of inconsistencies suffered by us.

What is required is a clear understanding of rationality of Vision and Unity of Approach; — not merely rationality of plan and market.

We must be fully aware of the costs of leaving things as they are. We have to navigate the direction of change. We may now hopefully suggest a two-pronged strategy for a science-based knowledge linked economy so that we can participate in the global competition with confidence.

A. Short-Term initiatives such as:
A1: Tackling of supply-bottlenecks and cost overrun etc
A2: Setting up of Economic Zones
A3: Improving connectivity

B. Long-Term policy steps such as:
B1 : Addressing the institutional weaknesses and redressing of institutional strength.
B2 : Improving” Neighbourhood-factor” .
B3 : Improving physical and human resources
B4 : Initiating structural change.

B5 : Optimizing the utilization of:
     > Land resources
     > Hydro resources
     > Bio- resources/herbal resources through intensive molecular research and extension (Ref: Core Competencies)
     > Food processing industries
B6 : Scientific documentation of traditional techniques and system of Manipur
B7 : Strengthening of scientific foundation of development
B8 : Expanding global market linkage
B9 : Strengthening of Governance

Role of Government:

It may be equally interesting to have a fresh reference to the changing roles of government at different stages of development. Every sensible government takes care of five fundamental tasks:

A: Establishing foundation of law
B : Maintaining non-distortionary policy environment
C : Investing in basic social services and infrastructures
D : Protecting the vulnerable
E : Protecting environment

— to be continued

Read Part 1 | Part II | Part III | Part IV | Part V | Part VI | Part VII |