GUWAHATI, Feb 1 � A smart economy model for North-East could be defined as Smart Cities, Smart People, Smart Control, Smart Banking, Smart Healthcare and Smart Security. The speakers at the 5th North-East Consumer Awards panel discussion �Smart Economy Model for North-East India�, held on Friday last were of the view that the Smart Economy has, at its core, an exemplary research, innovation and commercialisation ecosystem.
Chairman of the Board of Governors of IIM Shillong Falguni Rajkumar; Chief Information Commissioner HS Das; senior member of North Eastern Council MP Bebaruah; Commissioner of Police for Guwahati J Chakravarty; former Chief Secretary of Assam HN Das and CGM of State Bank of India SK Magoo participated in the panel discussion.
Reorientating the North-Eastern economy towards an innovative development path should be government authorities� main strategic line, stressed Falguni Rajkumar, who had also served as secretary of the North Eastern Council in the past.
Speaking about the smart economy model, Chief Information Commissioner HS Das said one has to bear in mind that �breakthrough solutions in the technological and managerial spheres should be aimed at developing all sectors of the economy and, above all, the sectors that have a direct impact on people�s lives: healthcare, education, transport and utilities infrastructure, and delivery of public services.�
Senior member of North Eastern Council MP Bezbaruah noted that there is an urgent need to set up a consultative mechanism to integrate India�s Look East Policy with the requirements of the North East.
Earlier, delivering the opening remarks, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister MGVK Bhanu said that North-East India is one of the best markets in the country to start a business, to grow a business and to do business.
Participating in the discussion, Commissioner of Police J Chakravarty said the government is focusing on smart policing, which will help the State economy to grow fast.
Chief General Manager of SBI SK Magoo said Indian bankers are taking the route of smart banking and from branch banking to internet banking and now to mobile banking; the industry has surely come of age.
Ex-Chief Secretary HN Das also expressed his views on a smart economy model for the NE, a press release stated.
