Pressure groups whose stated aim is to work for the rights of indigenous tribals often end up hampering the cause of economic growth in the state, thus harming the very individuals they are meant to be helping.
This was the gist of the criticism levelled by Right to Information (RTI) activist Disparsing Rani today about the state of unemployment in Meghalaya.
Oftentimes, pressure groups disrupt construction work on highways and other development activities in the state, Rani said, when the workers are found to be outsiders.
“These people working with the companies involved in road construction will leave after the work is completed. Why would they stay here since they earn their livelihood working with the company? They are doing the jobs that we can’t,” the activist said.
He cited as an example the Shillong-Dawki four-lane project, work on which has stopped because, reportedly, the company engaged in the road construction quit after its workers were harassed.
Better road infrastructure is the backbone of the economy and these companies need to be able to do their work for the benefit of the people of Meghalaya, Rani added.
However, he accepted that unemployment in the state among its own people is high (although official figures contradict this). He considers Sikkim to be a good example of how a small North East state that lacks resources could give employment to its people through the promotion of tourism.
