Shillong, Aug 24: Tura MP, Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday inaugurated a two-day international seminar on “cross border connectivity and inclusive growth: possibilities and challenges with special reference to the North Eastern Region” organized by Shillong College as part of its diamond jubilee celebration.
In his address, Conrad talked about infrastructural gaps in the North Eastern region and initiatives that the Central government has taken especially to link the region with neighbouring countries through Act East Policy.
Congratulating Shillong College for its achievements, he said that India would have over 45 million youth who would go to universities by 2030, and stressed the need to develop infrastructure and introduce more courses to cater to needs of the youth and meet this target.
He also suggested the North East Hill University (NEHU to allow colleges to introduce more courses and tie up with universities from abroad for exchange programmes and policy research.
Referring to the North Eastern Council (NEC), Conrad said that the NEC should become a policy and coordinating agency for the NE region not a mere gap funding agency.
He also expressed concern over climate change, and suggested the need to come up with an ‘Adaptation Policy’ to address various issues related to climate change.
The Lok sabha MP from Tura also feared that migration from neighbouring countries might happen especially Bangladesh when sea-level would rise and submerge areas under water since climate is a reality.
