Survey reveals NE people to learn other countries' languages

Aizawl, May 19 (UNI) A recent survey conducted across the NE region has revealed that the people wanted to learn more languages of the South East Asian Neighbours to reap the benefits of the Centre's 'Look East' policy.

The survey was conducted by the New Delhi based Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research(C-NEC) with the support of the North Eastern Council (NEC). It was the biggest of its kind in the region and part of the NEC's major exercise in participating planning, which is known as NER vision 2020.

The final report of the survey has already been submitted to the NEC to help formulate a comprehensive plan to take the region ahead on all development parameters, C-NES managing trustee Sanjoy Hazarika told UNI.

Over 50,ooo respondents were approached all over the region as part of the exercise, Mr Hazarika said adding more than 1000 villages were covered with the help of various NGOs to get the policy level.

The survey found that the people of the region are keen on learning languages like Chinese and Thai to take advantage of the 'Look East' policy that promises to open up the region to trade and commerce with South East Asian nations.

Learning new languages skills would facilitate improved trade and commerce, tourism and cultural exchanges, the people felt.

''Since NE is considered always a gateway to the South East Asian countries, people felt that huge economic development in the region could be possible once the corridor is open to them for trade,'' he pointed out.

Other requirements such as in the area of communications, people said they wanted more access to the internet, telephones and newspapers to help them keep abreast of affairs.

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