There has been substantial growth in per capita income across various states.
The policy of divide and rule constructed by the post colonial Nehruvian state used identity to make separate identities in the Northeast. This process was totally ahistorical for one sees the continuity of cultural influences of Vaishavism and the Shakti worship and practices. Tribal culture had its continuities with Bharatiya culture rather than with those of the invaders. The Colonial project was used to construct a false consciousness, hence it was easy to alienate and convert. From 2014 a paradigm shift is taking place to unite the Northeast as a part and parcel of the Indic civilization state where there is celebration of cultural diversity as in all other regions and states.
The northeastern region of India is undergoing a landmark transformation. The government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought the development of the eight states of the Northeast (referred to as Ashtalakshmi) through a “whole of government approach” that is rooted in the dual objectives of establishing peace and stability while fostering the comprehensive development of the Northeast. The broader vision aims to transform the Northeast into a flourishing contributor to India’s larger vision of Viksit Bharat.
Under the visionary framework termed “Purvoday,” the government has formulated a strategy for the Northeast region that is anchored in three key principles: firstly, accelerating development for integration with the nation, highlighting the imperative of fast-tracking development initiatives to facilitate seamless integration of the Northeast with the broader national framework; secondly, dealing with conflicts to establish peace and stability, underscoring the importance of addressing and resolving conflicts as a fundamental prerequisite for sustained peace and stability; and thirdly, economic and cultural enrichment for development, emphasizing the significance of cultural preservation and economic enhancement as integral to the overall development of the region. These principles collectively form the bedrock of a comprehensive approach to foster holistic growth and progress in the region. Measured against these normative standards, the raw facts about the region yield a decidedly positive and encouraging conclusion—there is a new dawn in the Northeast.
PEACE WITH SECURITY
Over the past decade, incidents of insurgency and casualties among civilians and security forces have reached the lowest levels. The improvements in the security situation from 2014 to 2023 are noteworthy, including a 73% reduction in insurgency incidents, a 71% reduction in security forces’ casualties, an 86% reduction in civilian deaths, and the surrender of over 8,900 extremists. The underlying approach is centred on building long-term peace to address persistent challenges. In 2023, agreements were signed with prominent groups such as the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), and the Dimasa Peace Accord. Earlier agreements, including the Tribal Peace Accord (Assam, 2022), Assam-Meghalaya Inter-State Boundary Agreement (2022), Assam-Arunachal Pradesh Inter-State Boundary Agreement (2022), Karbi Agreement (2021), Bru Agreement (2020), Bodo Accord (2020), and NLFT/SD Agreement (2019), have contributed to stabilizing the region. Another significant milestone has been achieved in reducing unrest-prone areas in the Northeast governed by the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA). It has been entirely removed in Tripura and Meghalaya. Currently, it operates in a limited capacity in Assam (4 districts), Nagaland (4 districts), Manipur (7 districts), and three districts in Arunachal Pradesh. These developments reflect a concerted effort to bring about lasting peace and stability in the region.
ECONOMIC UPTURN
The past decade has witnessed remarkable growth in infrastructure development, improved connectivity, and increased per capita incomes across the region. Notably, there has been a substantial growth in per capita income across various states. Manipur has witnessed doubling its per capita income, while Mizoram stands out with a remarkable 3.2 times growth. Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura experienced an almost threefold (2.9 times) increase in their per capita Net State Domestic Product (NSDP) over the same period. Nagaland and Assam registered growth exceeding 2.5 times (see Figure). Although slightly more modest in comparison, Meghalaya still achieved an impressive growth of 1.5 times per capita income. These statistics underscore the positive economic trajectory in the region, with tangible improvements in the standard of living.
The Northeast region is experiencing increasing benefits from the Vibrant Village Program, with substantial budgetary allocations reflecting the government’s commitment to development. The Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region (DoNER) witnessed a significant budget increase, from Rs 2,333 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 5,892 crore in 2023-24, marking a remarkable 153% growth. Infrastructure schemes have been instrumental, with the PM DevINE Scheme allocating Rs 1,500 crore. Several transformative projects are also underway, including the National Ropeway Development Program—“Parvatmala”—implemented in a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode for building eight ropeway projects of 60 km to boost connectivity in the Northeast and other hilly states. The Bharatmala Project, aiming to construct 5,196 km of roads, has completed 514 km. Sector-specific missions, such as the National Mission on Edible Oils—Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), the National Bamboo Mission, and the Majuli project, highlight the focused approach to diverse development needs.
Meanwhile, several capacity-building initiatives include two water supply projects totalling Rs 118 crores. The Northeastern Development Finance Corporation Limited (NEDFI) has substantially contributed by supporting 5,490 projects in microfinance, totalling Rs 789 crores in sanctions and Rs 622 crores in disbursements. The SAMBHAV Mission Mode Programme, aimed to establish 75 gram panchayats/village councils in 42 districts of 8 states in the Northeast, has enabled fundamental services to all citizens. Furthermore, in alignment with the climate agenda that the government is spearheading at the global stage, plans to revive 292 wetlands in the region have been formulated under the Northeastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC). This multi-pronged approach reflects the government’s commitment to holistic development, encompassing infrastructure, agriculture, and environmental sustainability in the Northeast.
A REAL CHANGE
Genuine challenges persist in the Northeast, a region that has been historically neglected and mismanaged since India’s independence. Erroneous policies, which often sought division rather than unity, exacerbated the challenges of separatism by a lack of development and insufficient attention to regional issues, wherein petty politics further aggravated these challenges. However, the impact of the government’s current strategy is becoming increasingly evident, marked by consistent peace and stability, reflected in declining insurgent activities, reduced inter-state border disputes, and substantial investments in development. The northeastern states are rapidly progressing towards realizing the status of Ashtalakshmi, contributing significantly to the larger national narrative and emerging as an economic force. To put it differently, despite historical setbacks, the region is now poised for positive transformation and increased integration into India’s growth trajectory.
Prof Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit is the Vice Chancellor of JNU.