The process of globalization is a result of the
interacting dynamics of capitalism and the revolution
in information technology (IT). Globalization and
localization must go hand in hand for sustained
development of any economy. Integration into the
global economy has benefited India somewhat,
especially in the IT sector. It has also resulted in
intense competition for resources among the states,
the business sectors and the rural population since
the relevant resources have been managed in favor of
urban activities. Rural folks are increasingly more
isolated from political participation in
decision-making and have lost the control of their
lives.
Assam as a whole cannot benefit much from the process
of globalization. 88.9% of its 26.6 million people
live in rural areas. Without attaining economic
sufficiency for this segment of the population, the
development of the state will remain a far-fetched
dream. Embracing localization by adopting small and
affordable technologies suitable to our needs, we have
had some successes: Self-help groups of women in
different districts for micro lending, the boost in
agricultural production due to minor irrigation
through shallow tube wells, commercial farming by
unemployed youths, handicrafts, metal works to name a
few. Concurrently, it is high time to capitalize on
globalization in the tourism sector and marketing of
rural crafts across the globe. Non-resident Assamese
can be of help in directing revolution in IT towards
micro economic sectors in the state with lead from the
Grameen Bank of Bangladesh where mobile phones and the
Internet are being used to provide information to
borrowers regarding the market so that they can obtain
higher prices for their goods and products.
Along with the development of the infrastructure,
mainly communication and transportation, the rural
masses must have strong political representation in
various seats of governance so that their problem can
be understood in real and practical sense by the
policy makers comprised of urban elites.
(Contributed by Ganesh Bora, Manhattan, Kansas)
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