'X' Factor Missing

By Geoffery *

It is the multiplication factor that catalyses the effect of the efforts. North East region of our country is more diverse than the rest of nation.

It is inhabited by almost 200 tribes out of the total 430 (approx) tribes in India. Each tribe has its own language, culture and identity. Historically speaking each hamlet was a nation by itself.

Things are changing from individualization to globalization. But the reality in this region is a little different. This region is resource rich in terms of Oil, Coal, Hydro Power resources and Tourist potential etc.

And now this region has been proved to have potential of being the biggest producer of rubber (Liquid Gold) in the world. The productivity of rubber has gone up from 335 kgs to 1879 kgs per acre (largest in the world) in Tripura. This region has the capacity to be feeder to rest of the nation and be exporter to neighboring nations).

Whatever has been said is alright? But what is hindering the dormant potential of this region? The only thing that comes to mind is lack of honesty and integrity towards this region by all alike.

Every one (centre, state, people and militant groups) has to share the blame & look inwards rather than outwards and backwards. Author has made an effort to analyze the role of various actors for under development & insurgency in the region.

The centre had lopsided approach towards this region since independence. Initially hazards of India's partition are understandable (not pardonable) and this region had also played its role in nation's freedom struggle. But what did go wrong thereafter?

And then the three wars (1962, 1965 and 1971) with our neighbors followed. But still, the mainland lacked understanding of this part of country's geography. Sadly, sincere efforts had never been made barring the latest efforts in the garb of Look East Policy (LeP).

Indians economic policies had not been based on fiscal prudence but politics. Initially it was Garibi Hatao (Congress) followed by Mandalization (Janata Dal) with an intervening period of emergency (1975). All this led to pledging of our country's gold to save the country out of financial crisis.

Then comes the liberalization of policies, the results of which are being felt now. Despite all the problems, India is riding an enviable growth curve. Imagine if the 'X' factor was incorporated and benefits disseminated in right proportions; probably this region would have been saved of devouring by the monster of insurgency (now read criminalization). Wish! It was done.

Our leaders (central & regional) are known to divide the society on religion, race, caste etc. No wonder! Cries to earn ST status and lobbying to deny the same status to other tribes are heard in this region also (unheard of earlier).

Thanks to our leaders for this. Wish there was honesty of approach to face the voters like Obama in US. During the election campaign his pastor made an incendiary racial remark to his dislike and also the electorate. Obama rightfully checked the wrong doer in time and faced the electorate more endearingly.

How many of our leaders are of such uprightness. Here effort is to avoid the issues concerning masses to retain Mr Clean image (but not able to). Thinking power of the masses is under estimated. Recent case of Advani's denial in Kandhar case and distancing away from long time associate Jaswant Singh.

It is a well known fact that genesis of Assam agitation lies in deportation of illegal migrants. This resulted in Nellie carnage (1983). But state assembly elections were forced through despite protests and advice against the same. Still the illegal migration is going on unchecked due to political and not national interests.

Now there is a collusion of militant leaders also for this migration for safe sanctuaries in Bangladesh. Probably they want to make the words of Sheikh Mujubur Rehman come true, who said, "India has to provide space for the growing population of Bangladesh".

Our leaders (all alike) indulge more in lip service and marketing their reforms that do not match the realities people face. Latest example is huge package of loan waiver for farmers. Probably the same amount spent four years earlier would have saved farmer suicides, added more to India's GDP and improved the image of ruling party rather than destroy the same.

Everyone is aware that for last 18 years (1991 to date) various governments (Congress, NDA & now UPA) have tried to let the reforms campaign reach the voters but failed. They would have succeeded, if reforms were backed by honest action.

The latest budget has a very forward looking aspect of skill development in partnership with industry. The government is adopting the Philippines model, where industry will be paid the expenses for developing training curriculum for the youth. There is another model adopted by Germany, Brazil etc., where most of the youth join the industry for learning skills after high school.

If industry is unable; then it pays some levy to the Government. No wonder, Germany is so progressive where corporate has sincerity for the society. Wish there is some planning to inculcate skill of Honesty and Integrity amongst leaders and the led.

Media reports are replete with details of scams by leaders and the led alike. Can the field flourish, when it is devoured by its own fence? CM of Sikkim is blemished in multi crore property scam. A doctor is caught selling free medicines and a BDO accepts swindling of funds (The Sentinel datelined 12 Mar 08).

Recent CAG report has pulled up the Assam government for using 75% of Non Plan Revenue Expenditure on aspects like salaries, pension payments etc. Similarly Manipur Government has been blamed for not been able to monitor works under Non Lapsable Pool of Central Resources and that too education (The Sangai Express datelined 29 Mar 08).

Most needed and delicate aspects of health, education, power and development are targeted. In Manipur teachers have been caught selling books meant for poor students under much needed Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. Imagine who has done this; outlaws i.e. KYKL under operation new Kangleipak(ONK). Well done! Wish it was done by the authorities.

A multi crore scam (involving every one in the chain) has been unearthed in Power department of Manipur. Militant organizations claiming to fight for deprived society are depriving their own people.

The recent (30 Mar08) torching of BRTF trucks by militants in Thoubal district (Manipur) is fresh in the minds. Remember! This is the only organization that is bringing development in remote border areas. Imagine if this also does not happen.

The time has come to introspect at all levels and answer: Does the society want X factor to be added to our values and approach in life? If Yes! Then act. If No! Then don't cry.

"The Universe is not rich enough to buy the vote of an Honest man"
'Gregory'