APSC CCE Mains PYQ Solved | APSC CCE 2023 Model Answer

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APSC Mains GS Paper 2: 2023: What is Bhutan’s plan for regional economic hub at Gelephu? In what manner is Assam going to be benefitted by this hub? (10 marks, 150 Words)

Model Answer:

Announced by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) is a planned 1,000+ sq. km carbon-neutral Special Administrative Region on the Assam-Bhutan border. It aims to create a futuristic economic corridor blending green technology with Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH).

Bhutan’s Plan for the Gelephu Regional Economic Hub

Sustainable Urbanization: Designed as a zero-waste, carbon-negative city running on 100% renewable energy, with biodiversity corridors mitigating floods and preserving local ecology.
Economic Diversification: Moving away from sheer reliance on hydropower, it targets eight core pillars including health and wellness, green energy, finance and digital assets, agri-tech, and aviation.
Special Governance Model: Operating under a “One Country, Two Systems” approach with autonomous, business-friendly laws to attract global Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and skilled talent.
Infrastructure Layout: Features “inhabitable bridges”, a new international airport, and high-speed rail links, prioritizing non-motorized transport and pedestrian-friendly zones.

Manner in Which Assam will be Benefited

The proximity of GMC to the Lower Brahmaputra Valley transforms Assam into a vital stakeholder in this transnational project:

Catalyst for ‘Act East’ Policy: Gelephu will act as a transit node linking South Asia to Southeast Asia. The proposed Kokrajhar-Gelephu railway link and upgrading of roads will position Assam as a major logistics hub.
Boost to Trade and Exports: Assam’s MSMEs, agricultural sector (tea, spices), and handloom weavers will gain direct access to a high-end international market and broader ASEAN supply chains.
Synergistic Tourism Development: The opening of the Darranga immigration check-post facilitates a joint cross-border tourism circuit. Tourists landing at the Gelephu international airport can seamlessly visit Assam’s Manas and Kaziranga National Parks, boosting hospitality revenues.
Employment Generation: The construction and operational phases of GMC will create massive auxiliary jobs in transport, logistics, and raw material supply for the youth in bordering districts like Bongaigaon, Chirang, and Baksa.
Spillover of Green Technology: Assam can benefit from technology transfers and collaborative frameworks in AI, digital infrastructure, and smart grid systems being deployed in Gelephu.

The Gelephu Mindfulness City is a strategic manifestation of India’s Neighbourhood First policy. By acting as the geographic fulcrum for this hub, Assam can accelerate its own regional development, embodying the spirit of Cooperative Federalism and shared prosperity in the Northeast.

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