Economy of the north-east

The North-East region of India is known for its ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious and physiographical diversity. Due to special constitutional arrangements, historical background and geographical location, a specific economic policy framework has been in operation for the region, which this book has questioned. It proposes a new policy framework based on the market approach. In contrast to the popular perceptions, the book also shows that financially the region is not a neglected region. The book has recommended that the region will have to focus on integrating itself with the rest of the country and the world. It has to build hard and soft infrastructure and revitalise its agriculture. Above all, North-East has to become investor friendly, and stand on its own feet without excessive dependence on the Central government. Private investment is a critical component for any new development strategy, for which the book has identified major areas for policy action. These include land and labour policies, infrastructure development and improvement in the law and order situation. To link the region with dynamic East Asia, the book has argued for declaring certain areas as free trade areas as well as developing an aggressive strategy for a growth quadrangle involving the North-East of India, Myanmar, Southwest China, Northern Thailand and Bangladesh.