Presidency College, Motbung, in collaboration with Oasis College, Kangpokpi, today commenced a two-day NEC-sponsored National Seminar on “Democratic Decentralization in Northeast India: An Analytical Study of the Working of Panchayati Raj Institutions and Autonomous District Councils in Manipur.”
The seminar, hosted at the Seminar Hall of Presidency College, brought together eminent scholars, administrators and researchers from across the Northeast to deliberate on grassroots governance, autonomy and democratic institutions.
The inaugural session was graced by Gautam Mukhopadhaya, IFS (Retd.), as Chief Guest. Prof. J. Doungel, Department of Political Science, Mizoram University, attended as Guest of Honour, while Prof. Roel Hangshing, North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, presided as the Functional President.
The programme featured a series of intensive technical sessions spread over two days, with chairpersons and special lecturers from NEHU, Mizoram University, Nagaland University, Gauhati University and D.M. University, Manipur.
Scholarly papers addressed critical themes such as the functioning of Autonomous District Councils under the Sixth Schedule, Panchayati Raj Institutions, political exclusion, ethnic identity, women’s empowerment, reservation policies, conflict resolution, governance history and the impact of India’s Act East Policy in Manipur and the wider Northeast.
Notable presentations examined issues ranging from the NRC in Northeast India, tribal women’s organisations and humanitarian responses during crises, to indigenous conceptions of time, youth civic engagement, and structural reconciliation for sustainable peace in Manipur.
The online technical sessions also witnessed participation from renowned academics outside the state, adding national depth to the deliberations.
The seminar will conclude on December 19 with a valedictory session, followed by the distribution of certificates, concluding remarks and a vote of thanks. A cultural programme at Oasis College, Kangpokpi, scheduled for the evening, will mark the closing of the two-day academic event.
Organisers stated that the seminar aims to generate informed discourse and policy-relevant insights on strengthening democratic decentralisation and inclusive governance in Manipur and the Northeast, at a time when institutional resilience and grassroots participation remain crucial.
Speaking on the sidelines of the seminar, Prof. Doungel said that India is striving to achieve the vision of a developed nation under Viksit Bharat 2047, with the goal of becoming a fully developed country by the year 2047.
However, he noted that the foremost requirement for realising this vision is development at the grassroots level, particularly in villages. As long as villages lack electricity, safe drinking water, proper roads and other basic necessities of life, India cannot rightfully claim its place among the world’s developed nations, including the G7 or G8, he added.
Prof. Doungel underlined the need to strengthen democratic decentralisation, grassroots democracy and the empowerment of local self-governing institutions, noting that democracy must take firm roots at the grassroots to ensure inclusive and sustainable development.
He further said that the Indian Constitution and political system are founded on the principle of unity in diversity.
Without preserving and strengthening this principle, the dream of Viksit Bharat cannot be realised. In the absence of peace, communal harmony and mutual coexistence among India’s diverse ethnic groups, communities and nationalities, any development achieved amid conflict or tension can be destroyed overnight, he warned.
Maintaining peace and tranquillity is essential for good governance and sustainable development, Prof. Doungel said, adding that unity in diversity remains central to India’s progress.
He reiterated that giving prime importance to grassroots and village-level development is critical for achieving Viksit Bharat 2047 and transforming India into a fully developed nation.
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