A one-day National Seminar on “Development Challenges in Northeast India” organized by the Department of Political Science and the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies was held at the department of Political Science, Nagaland University, Lumami, funded by the North Eastern Council (NEC), Ministry of DoNER, Shillong.
Prof. Moamenla Amer, HoD of Political Science, NU Lumami, gave the welcome address. The seminar wasgraced by the special guest, Prof. Pardeshi Lal, Vice Chancellor, NU in the inaugural session.There were three technical sessions chaired by Prof. MK Sinha, Dean, School of Social Sciences, Prof. Temjensosang, Dean RDC and MonalisaTase. There were 18 paper presenters coming from different parts of the India, sharing their research findings in addressing various development challenges faced by the region, within the ambit of the theme.
Dr. Likhase Sangtam, convenor of the seminar, in his keynote address gave a brief profile of the region. He stated that any policy formulation for development of the region should be based on understanding the topography, climatic conditions, ethnic diversity, special constitutional provisions, insurgency problems, immigration issues and connectivity. Despite many initiatives and efforts of the Government, the region’s per capita GDP still fall below national average, he added.
The scholars presented their papers on the issues of development and its challenges and prospects in the region from national to regional and local perspectives. The challenges confronting the regions development lies in understanding and addressing following key parameters: Region’s topography and climatic conditions; Region’s ethnic diversity and culture vis-a-vis civil societies and Special Constitutional Provisions; Immigrations issues and insurgency problems; Connectivity and infrastructure problems; Indigenous institutions vis-a-vis gender issues; Problems and prospects of Look/Act East Policy; and Human rights and environment issues.
The scholars from their presentations identified certain findings for the holistic development of the region which were recommended to the funding agency, Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER) for further policy initiative. The seminar concluded with valedictory remarks by Dr. Abemo, Registrar, NU as special guest.
He, while acknowledging and appreciating the department and the scholars for the success of the seminar, encouraged the academia fraternity of the region to work collectively in identifying the problems and constraints for development to the policy makers.
This was informed in a press release issued by Chongtham Gunnamani, Assistant Professor, Centre for South East Asian Studies, Political Science, NU Lumami. The seminar was held on 26th May 2022.