Yunnan model can be followed by Northeast region of India: Dr. Susmita Priyadarshini

GUWAHATI: "Yunnan province in south-east China offers a model to follow for the North-East region (NER) of India to achieve the desired goals of development," stated Dr. Susmita Priyadarshini, Associate Professor of economics of Devicharan Barua College, Jorhat at the 12th Bhabananda Deka Memorial Lecture held on Thursday.

The online lecture on the topic – 'Will North East Region lead the growth story of India?', was organized by the department of economics, Pragjyotish College under the aegis of Economic Planning Forum in the hallowed memory of Late Deka, the former Principal of the college and former HoD, economics department. She further said, "Despite rich biodiversity and natural resources, Yunnan remained poor and underdeveloped till 1979. After that, the province was positioned as a gateway to both southwest China and Southeast Asia. The result was tremendous, Yunnan developed along with other regions of China.

However, Dr Priyadrshini cautioned that a congenial atmosphere needs to be created for the growth of industries and investment in the NER, and the making of an organic hub and agricultural products exports does not remain a pipe-dream. Dr Priyadarshini stressed, "People's representative must concentrate on developing the region in the right earnest. NER has to raise its State domestic product to the level of States like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat and other developed States of India."

She concluded with a positive note that, "Infrastructural development undertaken by the Act East Policy coupled with investment-friendly policies of the Centre and the States have inspired companies to invest in the region. Hope spread effects of Act East initiative will spread further".

Earlier, the opening remarks and anchoring were done by Atanu Kr Chowdhury, Vice-Principal, Pragjyotish College & Associate Professor, department of economics. Dr Namita Das, HoD gave the welcome address and the Guest Speaker was introduced by Dr Ira Das. Deepak Dhar Bora, former HoD, who reminiscence his days with Late Bhaba

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