6 THE ASSAM TRIBUNE, GUWAHATI TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023

Human resource development in Assam

MESSAGE FOR TODAY
It’s not what you look at that matters,
it’s what you see.
– HENRY DAVID THOREAU Dr Manmohan Das empowerment of women and poor- people doing? Is it not a huge wast- is very poor. Can we hope socio-eco-
er section of the people with em- age of human resource? Leaving nomic development of Assam with

I
n any discussion on resources, with scanty natural resources is ployment and income generation? aside the children and elderly per- such a large number of ever-increas-
more emphasis is generally laid highly developed. Because of such In developed countries, even per- sons accounting together for 61.65 ing immigrant workforce?
on natural resources than on geographical instances, it is very sons with disabilities are trained to
per cent, the remaining 21 per cent In the name of human resource
human resource. Man is con- necessary to seriously think of the do certain types of works suitable are non-workers in the active age development, higher educational in-

Déjà vu sidered only as an agent who utiliz-

es natural resources for his benefit,
human resource development and
management for socio-economic
to them. But what is happening in
Assam where more than 20 lakh
group. So, only 35.8 per cent work-
ers have to take the burden of 64.2
stitutions like degree colleges, uni-
versities, engineering colleges,
Just as the world heaved a sigh of relief at the seeming not as the most vital part of the con- development in Assam. registered educated unemployed per cent non-working persons, in- medical colleges and an IIT were
cept of resources. Such a notion Taking for granted that each man youths (not to speak of unregisteredcluding children and elderly per- established in Assam. But most of
end of the Covid-19 pandemic which had devastated the
very often leads to the misconcep- constitutes potential human re- educated and uneducated youths) sons, and non-workers of the ac- the degree holders from such edu-
globe during the last two years, disturbing reports are tion that a region or a country is source, it can be said that there are are there? Even that figure is in- tive age group. With such a large cational institutions, except from the
appearing in the media that history is repeating itself. On rich if it is endowed with abundant abundant potential human resourc- creasing year after year. A section number of non-working people, IIT, who are educated at the expense
December 8, the ongoing surveillance by INSACOG (In- natural resources. But it is not al- es in Assam besides its abundant of our youths have taken up arms, how can the economy of Assam of huge sums of money from the
dian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium) picked up a case ways true because of the evidence natural resources, thus fulfilling the got involved in crimes, got addict- grow? Even most of the workers public exchequer, are creating only
of JN.1 sub-variant of Covid-19 in Kerala. The patient, that there are some regions or coun- conditions required for are not properly trained ever-increasing number of unem-
who had mild symptoms of an influenza-like illness (ILI), tries endowed with abounding nat- development. Then why for which the labour effi- ployed youths, most of whom are
has since recovered from Covid-19. Though medical spe- ural resources, but still remain un- the state still remains Even most of the workers are not ciency of Assamese indulging in various kinds of social
cialists have assured that there is nothing to worry about, derdeveloped because of low level poor in socio-economic properly trained for which the workers is much lower evils because of their frustration in-
the fact that since the first detection the number of cases of human resource development in development? Develop- in comparison to that of stead of being part of the produc-
has picked up and so far over a thousand cases have contrast to which there are some ment depends not on the labour efficiency of Assamese their counterparts in tive workforce to overhaul the so-
been detected, with the numbers rising every day, is other regions or countries with availability of potential workers is much lower in Punjab. Thus, there is an cio-economic condition of Assam.
scarcity of natural resources, yet natural and human re- comparison to that of their urgent need for human The most meritorious students are
raising concern amongst the common people, in whose
they are found to be highly devel- sources, but on their prop- resource development migrating to the developed states
memory the dark days of the pandemic still remain vivid. oped because of high level of hu- er utilization through hu- counterparts in Punjab. and manpower planning of India or developed countries in
A few deaths have been reported, but most cases are not man resource development. For man skills, ingenuity, dex- in Assam. In this respect, search of better technical education,
requiring hospitalisation, and severe disease is limited example, Bhutan, Brazil, Congo, terity and management capability ed to drugs and other intoxicants. the geographers have a great role training and job opportunities with
largely to older individuals and those with comorbidities. Mongolia and some Latin Ameri- aided by capital and technology both Our so-called education system is to play as they are the scientists who higher salaries and better standards
These are observations with which the people were fa- can and African countries are either of which are again man-made prod- responsible for creating a genera- can analyse the problems of human of living. Most of the engineers pro-
miliar during the height of the crisis! The rapid rise in the underdeveloped or developing, ucts created by processing natural tion of youths who cannot do phys- resource management from the duced by the IIT do not serve our
number of cases has been attributed to the increase in even though they are rich in natural resources. From such a viewpoint, ical labour and indulge in creative spatial perspective. own state or country but work in
the number of samples from ILI cases being referred for resources while on the other hand, it is seen that human resource in thinking. They are taught to ape the However, it may be mentioned other countries. Then what is the
testing. Most of these cases are clinically mild and pa- Japan, the Netherlands and Israel Assam is not properly developed western culture blindly without any that the Muslim immigrants are very benefit of such technical institutions?
tients are recovering at home without treatment, which are developed countries with limit- and utilized. In other words, there understanding of the positive quali- laborious and they are ready to do Instead, it would have been better if
had been the case with the Omicron variant. ed natural resources. We can now is no manpower planning and hu- ties of western culture. Is it educa- any kind of work. This is because of the majority of the youths are
clearly understand the dominant man resource development tion in the real sense of the term? that they can do hard labour and be- trained at agricultural training cen-
Of equal concern is that the new variant was detected
role of human resource in the so- schemes worth mentioning. Where Thus, there is a gross misuse of hu- come firmly rooted in the soil of tres for agricultural modernization
among Indians at Singapore airport and it already exists cio-economic development in any are the schemes for improving the man resource. Assam. It is not that they are edu- and development, and in ITI for de-
in other parts of the country. Adding to the potential haz- region or country in the world. quality of life of the people? Where How many persons are active cated and trained to do their work velopment of small-scale industries
ard is the fact that other nations too are detecting the Within India, Assam and Punjab are the strategies for providing use- workers in Assam? Only 35.8 per more efficiently. In fact, they are ex- and various kinds of mechanical
new variant. In fact, the JN.1 variant which is a descend- are the best contrasting examples. ful education and training for skill cent with 49.9 per cent male work- ploited by others to become rich at works in automobile, electricity,
ant of BA.2.86 was first detected in the United States in Endowed with rich natural resourc- development, health measures with ers and 20.7 per cent female work- the cost of their hard labour. So, they construction and other service sec-
September 2023, and also found to be endemic in China. es, Assam remains to be an under- sanitation, nutrition and medical fa- ers (according to 2011 Census). remain illiterate and poor. As a re- tors for which there is a dearth of
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention developed state whereas Punjab cilities, employment opportunities, What are the remaining sections of sult their socio-economic condition trained manpower.
(CDC) has warned that the number of Covid-19 hospital-

Social media, ethical values and laws

isations has been rising in the US, being up 10 per cent,
the highest increase since December 2022. The bad
news is that experts have discovered JN.1 to be a se-
verely immune-evasive and fast-spreading variant, mark-
edly different from XBB and all other prior versions of Dr Gautam Chakraborty or unwanted disclosure of personal seen privacy and ethics being and redressal mechanism wherein
data or information by Government, thrown to the wind as the internet ordinary users of social media can
this virus. This enables it to infect people who had previ-

S
ocial media use has signif- sharing, blogging, social gaming, corporation or individual. The un- is considered a completely free register complaints and get any jus-
ous Covid infections and also people who were vaccinat- icantly increased among video-sharing, business networks, ethical use of social media has re- market. Consequently, crimes like tice within a defined timeline.
ed. However, one positive ray of optimism is that initial people across the globe in virtual worlds, reviews and much sulted in the breach of individual cyber bullying, hacking, privacy in- Of course, there are various laws
data suggests that updated vaccines and treatments will recent times. Today’s dig- more. Even governments and poli- privacy and impacts both physical fringement, electronic theft, suicid- specially introduced for different ac-
still offer protection against JN.1 sub-strain. Although the ital age witnesses widespread use ticians utilise social media platforms and information security. Global so- al acts and personal defamation have tivities performed on social media.
WHO has not sent out any cautioning signals, reports of of social media across all age groups, like X to share their views with the cial media research in 2019 found shown a rising trend in the last 5-10 Article 19 of the Constitution of India
its detection in various countries are rapidly instilling a social classes and cultures. Social target voters. Digital Global Stat- that persons between the ages of 8 years. The situation is now so threat- states about the freedom of speech
sense of déjà vu. It is good that the Union health ministry media platforms like Facebook, X, shot India in its report in January and 11 spend an average of 13.5 ening that it’s time governments and expression guaranteed to all
has begun conducting mock drills at all health facilities in YouTube, Tiktok, Instagram, etc., 2022 said that around 467 million hours online weekly and 18 per cent took effective measures to control citizens and further mentions that
States to assess their preparedness measures, for the act as primary tools for sharing in- people use social media platforms of this age group are actively en- the flow of information on social free speech can’t be curbed by mak-
nation must not be caught off guard as had happened the formation. Research by Global We- in India, and a total of 329.7 million gaged on social media. Persons be- media. Inaccurate information flow ing laws against it. However, the
last time. bIndex in July 2022 found that Indians use Facebook. Social media tween 12 and 15 years of age keep can have adverse long-term conse- freedoms are under the sphere of
around 59 per cent of the world’s for Indians is serving as a melting themselves busy 20.5 hours online quences for individuals and compa- some reasonable restrictions as cit-

Crackdown on corrupt population uses social media, which

proves the importance of such plat-
forms among us. Further, it has
pot of ideas of all kinds. As the Con-
stitution of India guarantees free-
dom of speech and expression to all
on an average and 69 per cent of
this group are active social media
users. While children and teenag-
nies. Again, let’s suppose someone’s
computer or tablet is stolen. The
criminal will use identification infor-
ed in Article 16(2). Law under Sec-
tion 66A of the IT Act, 2000 pro-
hibits the publication of any offen-
A spate of arrests of corrupt Government officials has shown that the average daily usage citizens, social media acts as a plat- ers represent the largest internet mation stored on the device to ac- sive video, audio, text over the in-
been hogging media limelight for quite some time now, of social media is 2 hours and 29 form to gather information and ex- user groups, they do not know how cess the victim’s social media page ternet through social media plat-
which is undoubtedly a positive development and some- minutes. The power of this medi- press opinion. Such online spaces to protect their personal informa- which could lead to access to his/ forms and defines punishment for
thing not seen in Assam earlier. The State Government, um is phenomenal as it has the abil- hold large amounts of naturally oc- tion on the web and are the most her contacts, friends and chain of the same. In view of the lack of
especially Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, de- ity to overturn governments, mo- curring data on any topic, from con- vulnerable to cyber crime. friends, and thereafter participate in transparency, accountability and
serves credit for the sustained crackdown on the cor- bilise protests, assist in getting sup- sumer behaviour to attitudes to- The term ethics is defined as illegal activities and engage in anti- rights of users, and after elaborate
rupt. Government functionaries at different levels, par- port for humanitarian aid, organise wards pro-environmental policies, “the ability to define and differen- social activities such as hacking, discussions with the public and
ticularly at the lower and middle rungs, constitute the political campaigns to delay the pass- to political views and preferences. tiate between what is right and spreading viruses, fraud and identi- stakeholders, the Information Tech-
bulk of the arrested and one expects that the drive would ing of legislation, to make social However, the increased use of what is wrong”. The way social ty theft. Therefore, users of social nology (Intermediary Guidelines
be taken to a logical conclusion with strong cases slapped media billionaires and millionaires. social media has raised questions on media is being used these days media need to be aware of the risks and Digital Media Ethics Code)
on the offenders. The spurt in arrests leaves none in any Social media is an internet-based privacy issues and ethical concerns. brings a lot of side effects with it. associated with their participation. Rules, 2021 were notified on Feb-
technology that builds virtual net- As cited in the book A Gift of Fire: The use of social media has changed Over the years, the increasing in- ruary 25, 2021 under the Informa-
doubt whatsoever as to the frightening magnitude of cor-
works for sharing of ideas and infor- Social, Legal and Ethical Issues for the communication landscape re- stances of misuse of social media by tion Technology Act, 2000, and in
ruption in the State. Of particular concern is the muck mation. Social media originated as a Computing and the Internet by Sara sulting in changes in ethical norms criminals, anti-national elements supersession of the earlier Infor-
that has run deep in the coveted ACS and APS that are means to interact with friends and Baase, privacy is the ability to con- and behaviour. The imbalance and have brought new challenges for law mation Technology (Intermediary
the bedrock of administration and policing in the State. family. But later it was adopted by trol information about one’s self as mayhem observed in our civic so- enforcement agencies. These in- Guidelines) Rules, 2011 which sub-
Over 70 such officers have been arrested for getting business establishments to take ad- well as the freedom from surveil- ciety nowadays can be regarded, clude circulation of obscene content, stantially empower the ordinary us-
jobs by paying cash and it is hardly surprising that huge vantage of this new communication lance from being followed, tracked, to a great extent, as a fallout of the spread of disharmony, financial fraud, ers of digital platforms to seek re-
assets utterly disproportionate to their legitimate income method to reach out to consumers. watched, and being eavesdropped growing impact of social media on incitement of violence, gang rape, dressal for their grievances and
have also been unearthed. Apparently, those getting into People participate in a variety of on. Privacy refers to the status of people who use this medium. molestation, etc. It is found that cur- command accountability in case of
the coveted posts through corrupt means think little about tech-enabled activities like photo- right, to be free from surveillance, Growing use of social media has rently there is no robust complaint infringement of their rights.
amassing wealth through corruption and this has created
a vicious cycle. Civil and police officials apart, the arrest-
ed also include engineers and other officials in different
departments – all of those guilty of amassing fortunes
Letters
to the
Assam’s orange belt not getting due importance
while in office. Pursuance of court cases against the cor- the department of their difficulties MP Pradyut Bordoloi in a tricky Kudos to GMC! etc.? Library officials say they
rupt needs to be efficient so that they are adequately
punished. If a corrupt amassing crores of rupees gets to EDITOR ranging from pests to transporta-
tion, marketing, etc., have led to
this situation. Assam is not known
position as he too does not have
any base in any other constituency.
Many Congress leaders have won
Sir, – I woke up to a deep
humming sound at 3:14 am on
have no fund to repair or add light
connections in the reading room.
Even though footfall of students to
serve 3-4 years in jail, that is hardly a punishment com- December 16. As I opened the
Sir, – Assam’s agricultural for producing large and juicy banking on the votes of minority the district library for preparation
mensurate with the crime committed nor does it amount door to the balcony, there was this
produce (lemons, ginger, chillies, oranges but we can at least try to people. The so-called secular for competitive exams has
to any deterrent. happy sight! A ‘sweeper” vehicle
etc.) are now being exported to accomplish self-sufficiency and leaders are now making a beeline increased, the condition remains
Even while welcoming the crackdown on the corrupt, of the GMC was on a cleaning act,
the Middle Eastern countries, cater to our domestic market, to constituencies like Nagaon and deplorable. Yours etc., Shivani.
one would be tempted to ask whether the drive has been removing dust from the roads in
though in limited quantity. At the instead of importing from other Dhubri due to reasons known to
selective. Serious questions are being raised over the Six Mile area in the early hours of Postpartum care
same time, our neighbours States or countries. Yours etc., everyone. Yours etc., Purabi
the day when there is little traffic Sir, – Through your esteemed
manner in which some ACS and APS officials have man- Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Tushar Deep. Mili, Jakhalabandha.
to create hindrance. Kudos to daily, I would like to draw the
aged to evade the dragnet. Selective justice in itself is a Pradesh and Tripura are way Arijit Singh concert
sign of dishonesty and lack of transparency. The Chief
Gaurav Gogoi GMC! Keep up the good work. I attention to the need of postpar-
ahead of us in terms of horticul- Sir, – The Arijit Singh concert request the GMDA/GMC to
Sir, – Gaurav Gogoi is the Lok tum care. After going through the
Minister would do well to ensure that the cracking of the ture produce. These States have held on December 16 at the procure more vehicles to remove
Sabha Member from Kaliabor, but painful childbirth process, every
whip encompasses all the corrupt officials and is not tar- increased the acceptance of their
after the delimitation exercise, Barshapara stadium was a the earth settled down on the woman needs physical and mental
geted on certain individuals. Yet another drawback con- produce due to their purely Kaliabor constituency now ceases nightmare for common people roads, and even in the narrow health recovery support. Family
cerns the lenient attitude of the Government towards organic nature and good market- to exist. Earlier, it was widely who found it tough to reach home lanes and thus help reduce air support is the most desirable
officials in the top echelons of bureaucracy. It cannot be ing strategies like the orange believed that Gogoi would contest after a day’s work due to traffic pollution. Yours etc., Barun thing at that moment. But it may
that only the lower and middle-level officials are corrupt festival in Tamenglong district. from Jorhat, which is dominated congestion caused by the event. Barpujari, Six Mile, Guwahati. not be accessible to all. For
When climate crisis is negative- by indigenous voters. Some said Ambulances carrying patients
and those at the top are saints. The Central Government Nagaon dist library postpartum care, the Govern-
ly impacting agriculture, we Gogoi should contest from were stuck in traffic. I had a
has now issued a notice for IPS officials to declare their Sir, – The Nagaon district ment can work with NGOs to
cannot afford to sit back on the constituencies like Jorhat, tough time in reaching home at
property, which is a step in the right direction. In order to laurels earned through tea. We Lalganesh from my office at GS library is in a poor condition, with provide support to new mothers.
Lakhimpur and Dibrugarh to test Provision of trained women who
be effective, a follow-up in the form of a stringent verifi- should try to diversify, give a Road. It took more than two broken toilet pipes, unhygienic
his acceptance among the can take care of the newborn and
cation of their claims vis-a-vis property is a must. Anoth- boost to organic production and indigenous people. But like Rahul hours, that too on a two-wheeler. toilet seats, and no inverter or
er imperative is to put in place a tough mechanism of generator connection in the help the mother in household
demarcate newer regions for Gandhi, who chose to run away Guwahatians faced a similar
transparency and accountability that can check corrup- reading room. In other States, chores can be one such service. It
producing fruits. The limited from Amethi to Wayanad in situation during the AR Rahman
Government libraries function will also provide employment
tion – by effecting structural reforms if necessary. Next areas bordering Meghalaya and Kerala, which has a majority of show. Such grand shows are
24x7, like Chhattisgarh’s Nalanda opportunities to women. Yours
comes the political class which are the hardest nut to Karbi Anglong plateau known as Muslim voters, Gogoi is also always welcome in Guwahati, but
should not paralyse the move- Oxy Reading Zone. Why is the etc., Prity Sharma, Guwahati.
crack vis-a-vis checking corruption. Unless there is some Assam’s orange belt have not reportedly considering filing his
structural reform in the matter of probing corruption by been given due importance by the nomination from Nagaon, which ment of the common people. Assam Government not promot- Articles (within 1000-1100 words) and
State’s agricultural department. has a huge chunk of voters of Hope the authorities look into ing libraries and reading rooms Letters to the Editor for publication in
politicians including ministers, making them accountable
The lack of awareness of the alleged Bangladesh origin. This this matter. Yours etc., Ratan like it is doing for Sanskritik the editorial page may be sent to the
will be a utopian dream only. Deb, Lalganesh, Guwahati.
farmers and their failure to notify move may put current Nagaon Mahasangram, Khel Maharan, email ID: [email protected].