Even after a year that the centre launched the National Logistics Policy (NLP), Meghalaya has not had a discussion on how it will benefit the state.
The NLP was launched on September 17, 2022 aims to achieve ‘quick last-mile delivery’, end transport-related challenges and to bring down the high logistics costs in the country.
Social activist, Kyrsoibor Pyrtuh noted that this policy was never discussed at the just concluded autumn session of the assembly stating that it is important to uplift Meghalaya’s economy.
“Why was there discussion, no question or motion on the NLP? Whether it is good or bad for our state? How are we to gain and improve our economy with this policy?” Pyrtuh told HP.
Since the state shares the international border with Bangladesh, which is the gateway to the entire South East Asia, it is important that the state to discuss the way ahead for economic development, he added.
“We pride ourselves that our ancestors had trade relations as far as China via the Silk route, etc. We had the past behind us, but what about today and tomorrows?”
He also pointed out that only Assam and Mizoram have taken full advantage of the NLP and said that if Meghalaya is to rise, it has to open up its borders especially in the southern slopes.
“We can also use the transportation of logistics through waterways like the port at Sylhet-Bangladesh, then to Tamabil- Shillong and others,” Pyrtuh said.
While the logistics sector is considered as the backbone of economic growth, the social activist observed that it is meaningless for Meghalaya when internal road connectivity in is not addressed and continues to remain pathetic.
