Inconclusive growth threat to Nation's unity: Y E Singh

New Delhi, Jul 17 (UNI) Manipur Commerce and Industry Minister Yumkham Erabot Singh today underlined that inter-regional, inter-state and even inter-community imbalances in economic growth bred feelings of disparity, discontent and isolation, which resulted in National disunity.

Speaking at a one-day National Seminar on Economic Growth and National Unity at the India International Centre here, the Minister pointed out that the country should make all efforts to bring about economic development as homogeneously as possible.

Stating that ''growth which is not inconclusive and increases inequalities, will be a threat to our nation's fundamental unity, which we have built up so painstakingly'', he emphasised that inclusive economic growth was the foundation for material, psychological and moral bonds of national unity.

''Post-liberalisation economic development has widened the urban-rural divide in the country. The knowledge economy, hospitality industry, tourism and service sector are booming only in urban India. Rural manufacturing and the unorganised sectors are crumbling in the villages of our country.'' He said, ''we have almost neglected the agriculture sector and are turning into importers of food grains from being exporters in the last few years. The result has been a dual income structure with rising gap in the levels of income and employment in rural and urban India. Let us not forget that thousands of farmers have committed suicide in the last few years.'' ''Besides these rural-urban inequalities, we also have serious regional disparities in income growth and employment opportunities,'' Mr Erabot Singh said.

He questioned, ''Why is it that there are armed movements in Bihar, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh which are rich in mineral and forest resources?'' ''Are we, as a nation, making serious and tangible efforts to bring about rapid economic growth and development in the tribal and backward regions of our country?'' Referring to the North Eastern Region, he asserted, ''this region of our country is a good example of how disparities in economic growth give birth to divisive forces that are challenging the basic unity of our nation.'' ''We have to plan not only for income growth, but also for removal of poverty and inequality. Our nation today needs a concrete vision document for this purpose,'' he said The seminar was organised by the Friendship Forum of India. On the occasion, Awards for Excellence-2008 in various categories were conferred upon some selected distinguished personalities of the country.

The Minister for Commerce and Industry of Manipur received four awards namely, Rashtriya Jewel Award, Rising Personality of India Award, Life-Time Achievement Award and Glory of India International Award.

The Chief Whip of Manipur Congress Legislative Committee and the Vice-President of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee Shri Tongbram Mangibabu received two awards -- Rashtriya Jewel Award and Rising personality of India Award in the function, said a Manipur information release issued here today.

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