Manipur: Grassroots democracy key to India's 2047 vision, scholars emphasise at Northeast seminar

Scholars and administrators have stressed that village-level development and strengthened local governance are essential prerequisites for India's ambition to become a fully developed nation by 2047, during a national seminar examining democratic decentralisation in Northeast India.

 

The two-day event, which began on December 18 at Presidency College, Motbung, is focusing on the functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions and Autonomous District Councils in Manipur. Sponsored by the North Eastern Council, the seminar is being jointly organised by Presidency College and Oasis College, Kangpokpi.

 

Prof J Doungel from Mizoram University's Department of Political Science warned that development achieved amid conflict could be "destroyed overnight" without peace and communal harmony. "As long as there are villages without electricity, safe drinking water, proper roads, and other basic necessities of life, India cannot rightfully claim its place among the world's developed nations," he said.

 

The seminar has brought together academics from institutions including North Eastern Hill University, Nagaland University, Gauhati University and DM University. Gautam Mukhopadhaya, a retired Indian Foreign Service officer, attended as chief guest, whilst Prof Roel Hangshing from NEHU Shillong presided over the inaugural session.

 

Technical sessions are examining critical issues affecting governance in the region, including the Sixth Schedule provisions for Autonomous District Councils, political exclusion based on ethnic identity, women's empowerment in tribal structures, and conflict resolution mechanisms. Presentations have also covered the National Register of Citizens in Northeast India, humanitarian responses during crises, and youth civic engagement.

 

Prof Doungel emphasised that India's constitutional principle of unity in diversity must be preserved to realise the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. He called for strengthening grassroots democracy and local self-governing institutions, noting that "democracy must take firm roots at the grassroots to ensure inclusive and sustainable development."

 

Organisers said the seminar aims to generate policy-relevant insights on strengthening democratic decentralisation and inclusive governance at a time when institutional resilience and grassroots participation remain crucial for the Northeast region.