Editor,
We are drowning in an economic crisis growing faster than the typical Arunachal’s appetite for more buildings and more cars. If only I could find a job for rolling my eyes at political promises, I’d be rolling in cash.
Against this backdrop, our economic bubble now looks as fragile as a soap bubble in a room full of toddlers with curious fingers. We really need a brilliant economic brain to steer us through this mess. Forget about Arunachalis – whether they’re from Arunachal or Jupiter, we need to hire an economic wizard. What better option do we have when our wallets are turning drier than the Martian desert?
At the risk of sounding like a parrot, let me repeat – let’s stifle out regional sentiments for once and convince the government to toss out its half-baked policies and cook up a fresh revival strategy that doesn’t taste like last week’s leftovers, or baasi khaana.
That brings us to the next point, which is poor capital investment. High committed expenditure (salaries, pensions, interest payment) severely limits the ability to fund essential social and economic services like education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development. Think of the long-term loss when we can’t invest in infrastructure projects, public utilities, and development initiatives.
Right now the capacity to address urgent social needs, promote economic growth and improve public welfare is limited. Look at the mess that has been created: Put it simply, bad roads are causing an increasing number of fatal road accidents. Adding to these woes, unprecedented heavy rains this year caused untold damages to the state’s road infrastructure, necessitating reconstruction and repairs that could consume the entire annual budget.
In the process, Arunachal’s fastest-growing livelihood enterprise, tourism, is facing a premature death. Poor connectivity and extortion are joining forces to deal the final blow to our tourism brand, which was already teetering on the brink of death due to Covid.
The Arunachal government must heed the criticism and scrutiny regarding financial mismanagement. Without decisive action, the economy risks imminent collapse, with massive long-term implications for socioeconomic development.
Endless tall promises to the public must give way to greater accountability and prudent oversight in financial decision-making. Improve fiscal planning, prioritise expenditures, evaluate rigorously, and take sustainable measures to boost revenue generation to rehabilitate our ailing economy.
Finally, looking forward to the 2024 budget, Arunachal’s economy should prioritise several critical areas. The most immediate one would be reconstruction and enhancement of connectivity and accessibility. Our state is literally fragmented due to widespread landslides. The roads are vitally connected to trade and commerce, healthcare access, social connectivity, public safety, tourism, a better quality of life, and a whole range of factors that promote economic development.
Also, improving the quality of education and fostering skill development to equip the youths with essential employment capabilities could be a game-changer.
Enhancing healthcare services must be based on the philosophy of equitable access across the state. Expanding and promoting organic farming practices is not just crucial for strengthening rural economies but it’s a missed opportunity that could have brought manifold benefits to stakeholders in the tourism sector.
Environmental conservation initiatives are crucial for preserving our state’s rich biodiversity and promoting sustainable development through ecosystem protection, renewable energy promotion, and effective waste management. Expanding digital infrastructure and developing e-governance cannot be neglected.
Our employment scene is in a huge mess. The most honest approach to disentangle it is to bring about a fundamental shift in our governance vision – one that prioritises merit-based employment generation and ensures fair and regular recruitment mechanisms.
Our state must approach disaster management preparedness with extraordinary seriousness and foresight. Nature has repeatedly shown us that our relaxed attitude towards disaster management will prove perilous. It’s time for decisive action and strategic planning to safeguard our people and infrastructure against future calamities.
Arunachal can navigate economic challenges, foster sustainable development, and uplift the wellbeing of its people, but the approach of the government has to change radically.
A citizen