Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura turn 42 today

Agartala/Imphal/Shillong: Three northeastern states - Tripura, Manipur and Meghalaya - celebrated their 42nd statehood day on Tuesday. He added that governance has been "tardy", and most interventions in governance have been fund-driven rather than need-based, while natural resources have not been judiciously utilised.Under the North Eastern Region (reorganisation) Act, 1971, Tripura, Manipur and Meghalaya became full-fledged states Jan 21, 1972.

The erstwhile princely states of Tripura and Manipur merged with India Oct 15, 1949, and became union territories before getting the status of full-fledged states.

Meghalaya was formed as an autonomous state April 2, 1970, after being carved out of Assam.

"After 42 years, we have not succeeded in attaining any tangible, sustained growth in most sectors, with the goal of ensuring percolation to the grassroots to benefit the commoner. There has been hardly any realistic emphasis on planning and evolving a blueprint to reap the benefits of statehood," environmental activist Naba Bhattacharjee told The Telegraph.

He added that governance has been "tardy", and most interventions in governance have been fund-driven rather than need-based, while natural resources have not been judiciously utilised.The Meghalaya government has planned programmes tomorrow to commemorate Statehood Day. Directions have also been given to district and block headquarters, including Meghalaya Houses outside the state, to commemorate the day in a befitting manner.

However, as the celebrations continue, tomorrow is also a day to look back, retrospect and plan ahead.

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