Syllabus: GS-III & V: Growth & Development

Why in the News?

A recent incident in Rongmanpi village of Amreng MAC constituency, West Karbi Anglong, highlighted the severe lack of healthcare and connectivity infrastructure in the region.
Ailing villager Chati Tissopi had to be carried on a makeshift bamboo stretcher through dense jungles to reach the nearest health centre, exposing the daily struggles of residents.

Key Challenges Faced by Villagers

Poor Healthcare Access

• The health facilities in the district are difficult to reach due to absence of motorable roads.

• Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong face shortage of health staff; rural health statistics (RHS 2022) show:

  • Over 25% of sanctioned posts in PHCs and CHCs in Assam’s hill districts are vacant.

  • Only 19% of sub-centres in Karbi Anglong have regular doctors.

• Patients often risk their lives on treacherous jungle paths and fragile bamboo bridges.

Lack of Connectivity

• Steep hills and poor road networks leave villages cut off from basic facilities.

• Less than 40% of villages in Karbi Anglong have all-weather road connectivity under PMGSY (2019 data).

• Villagers rely on unsafe bamboo bridges across fast-flowing rivers like Amreng and Am-ei.

Socio-Economic Indicators

• Literacy Rate (Census 2011):

  • Karbi Anglong: 69.25%, below Assam average of 72.19% and India’s 74.04%.

• Poverty Levels: As per NITI Aayog’s Multidimensional Poverty Index (2021), Karbi Anglong ranks among the poorest districts of Assam, with high deprivation in healthcare, nutrition, and housing.

• Dependency on Agriculture: Over 80% of the population depends on agriculture and allied activities, but productivity is low due to lack of irrigation and modern techniques.

Everyday Hardships

• Essential tasks like medical visits, education, and trade involve dangerous journeys.

• The community remains isolated and neglected, with limited access to state schemes.

Growing Frustration

• Years of neglect have led to mounting discontent among residents.

• Citizens and local leaders are now demanding urgent government intervention.

Reasons : Why Karbi Anglong Lacks Basic Development ?

Geographical Barriers

• Rugged terrain, steep hills, and riverine barriers make infrastructure projects costly and time-consuming.

Historical Neglect

• Peripheral hill districts have historically been sidelined in state-level planning and budget allocation.

Insurgency and Political Instability

• Past insurgency and ethnic tensions diverted focus from development to security issues.

Poor Administrative Presence

• Weak institutional capacity and limited presence of government offices in remote villages delay welfare delivery.

Limited Private Investment

• Lack of basic infrastructure discourages private sector industries and service providers.

Way Forward

Infrastructure Development

• Build all-weather roads and steel bridges to connect remote villages.

• Develop alternate transport corridors using ropeways and river navigation in difficult terrains.

Healthcare Strengthening

• Upgrade Primary Health Centres with doctors, medicines, and ambulance services.

• Establish mobile health units for remote areas.

Inclusive Governance

• Ensure higher budget allocation for Karbi Anglong under special hill development schemes.

• Strengthen local self-governance institutions (Autonomous Councils) for better implementation.

Skill Development & Employment

• Promote eco-tourism, agro-processing, and handicrafts to create livelihood opportunities.

• Launch targeted skill training programmes for youth.

Community Participation

• Involve local leaders and grassroots organisations in planning and monitoring development projects.

Conclusion

The plight of Rongmanpi and other villages in West Karbi Anglong reflects the broader challenge of integrating remote hill districts into mainstream development.
Without urgent and sustained action, residents will remain trapped in a cycle of neglect, isolation, and frustration.
Focused investment in connectivity, healthcare, and livelihoods, combined with strong political will, can transform West Karbi Anglong into a region of resilience, growth, and dignity.

Q. “The recent incident in West Karbi Anglong highlights the deep developmental neglect in remote hill districts of Assam. Discuss the reasons for this neglect and suggest measures to ensure inclusive development and governance in such peripheral regions.” (15 marks/250 words)