Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s Assam package has apparently put the greatest importance on developing education in the state. This northeastern state of India clearly needed a package like this. The package promises a world-class university, a petroleum technology institute and a national design institute for the state. The package also assures of the Central government’s support to the state in skill development among the youth of Assam. The plan includes setting up a model school in every development block of the state. In addition to these, the package pledges to help the state government to set up a science and technology university, a law school and a judicial academy.

            Now, a fast implementation of the projects is required to meet the objectives of the package.

As India gears up for its 62^nd Independence Day celebrations, images from the past crowd the collective memory of the countrymen. This glorious journey through six decades has seen the country achieving a lot, resulting in rapid growth, development and sustaining a great deal of what it achieved. At the same time a lot remains to be aspired for. Be it politics, economics, commerce, sports, culture, science or any other discipline, Indians have made their mark.

            In recent years, India has made rapid progress in industrialization. The country’s IT industry has won respect and trust of the global community. Infrastructure has developed manifold.

                        However, some areas need extra attention. For example, internal security still remains a concern. The recent blasts in Bangalore and Ahmedabad are an immediate reminder of the fact. Foreign policy needs to be crafted very carefully, the debate over the nuclear treaty being a case in point. The debate over SEZ also continues. So, a well thought out strategy is needed to prioritize development work in different sectors. The social security mechanism needs a boost too. The unorganized sector still suffers from an uncertainty. In addition, social support should be forwarded to the aged and the unemployed in a bigger way. The self help groups have a role to play in this.

                                    The wish list is long, priorities too many. However, a strong will can make it possible. India can do it.

                        Congratulations everyone on the eve of the Independence Day!