CASE SUBMISSION ROUND

ABOUT NORTH-EAST

Northeast India comprises of eight states commonly having “Seven Sisters” and “one
brother”. They are Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland,
Sikkim and Tripura.
The Northeast is a true frontier region. It has over 2000 km of border with Bhutan, China,
Myanmar and Bangladesh and is connected to the rest of India by a narrow 20 km wide
corridor of land. One of the most ethically and linguistically diverse regions in Asia, each
state has its distinct cultures and traditions. From times immemorial, India’s Northeast has
been the meeting point of many communities, faiths and cultures.
A place renowned for its magical beauty and bewildering diversity, Northeast India is the
home for more than 200 ethnic groups speaking a wide range of languages. Some groups
have migrated over the centuries from places as far as Southeast Asia; they retain their
cultural traditions and values but are beginning to adapt to contemporary lifestyles. Its
jungles are dense, its rivers powerful and rain, and thunderstorms sweep across the hills,
valleys and plains during the annual monsoons.
The lushness of its landscape, the range of communities and geographical and ecological
diversity makes the Northeast quite different from other parts of the subcontinent. In
winters, mist carpets the valleys but swirls around the traveller in hills during summer rains,
thus creating an enchanting and romantic atmosphere. The region has borders with
Myanmar Bhutan and Bangladesh. The festivals and celebrations in the North- eastern
states of India are a colourful reflection of the people and their lives.
Throughout the year, different people celebrate festivals with lot of fanfare in different ways,
most of them centring around their modes of living and livelihood.
Each state is a traveller’s paradise, with picturesque hills and green meadows which
shelters thousands of species of flora and fauna. In addition, the states provide scope for
angling, boating, rafting, trekking, and hiking. Besides, there are several wildlife sanctuaries
and national parks where rare animals, birds and plants which will surely provide fascinating
insight to the visitors.
The northeast region is culturally and ethnically diverse having more than 200 ethnic groups
which have distinct languages, dialects and socio-cultural identities. The Region covers
7.97% of the country’s geographical area and 3.78% of its population. It has 5,484 km of
international border viz. Bangladesh (1,880 km), Myanmar (1,643 km), China (1,346 km),
Bhutan (516 km) and Nepal (99 km). The terrain, the state of socio-economic development
and historical factors such as language/ ethnicity, tribal rivalry, migration, control over local
resources and long and porous international borders have resulted in a fragile security
situation in the Northeastern States. This has resulted in violence, extortion and diverse
demands by various Indian Insurgent Groups (IIGs) which maintain safe havens/camps in
neighbouring countries. The security situation in NER has improved significantly since 2014.
Basic data regarding area and population of NE States is as under –

Reference: https://www.mha.gov.in/en/commoncontent/north-east-division
Critical Problems in North-East
Poverty
Poverty in North East India is a complex issue with various dimensions that need careful
consideration. Traditionally, poverty has been measured based solely on income levels, but
the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) offers a more comprehensive approach.
Developed by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and the United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the MPI considers factors like health, education,
and living standards to provide a more nuanced understanding of poverty. In India, the
National MPI includes indicators such as nutrition, child mortality, maternal health,
education, sanitation, and access to basic amenities.
Percentage of the total population who are multidimensionally poor in each Northeastern
state: for instance, Assam, one of the largest states in the region, has a 19.35% of
population in poor category between 2019-2021, while Manipur and Meghalaya report rates
of 8.1% and 27.79%, respectively. These figures highlight the need for targeted interventions
to address unemployment and uplift communities.
In understanding poverty in North East India, it's essential to consider these
multidimensional metrics alongside unemployment rates to develop effective strategies for
poverty alleviation and sustainable development in the region.
Unemployment
Northeast India grapples with intertwined challenges: high unemployment among educated
youth and inadequate waste management systems. Despite strides in education, the region
contends with alarmingly high rates of joblessness, particularly among its educated
demographics. Additionally, inefficient waste disposal practices exacerbate environmental
concerns, with mounting waste generation posing significant threats to public health and
ecological balance. Factors such as limited job opportunities, insufficient infrastructure,
and geographical isolation contribute to the unemployment crisis, perpetuating socio-
economic disparities. Addressing these multifaceted issues necessitates a comprehensive
approach grounded in sustainable development principles.

Reference:

July- December 2022, UNEMPLOYEMENT: ISSUE AND CHALLENGES IN NORTHEAST INDIA,

Goriyashi Mahanta
Waste Management
Northeast India, nestled in the eastern Himalayas and renowned for its biodiversity, faces a
pressing issue: inadequate waste management. Despite its abundant natural resources, the
region has long neglected waste disposal practices, leading to environmental degradation.
However, waste accumulates unchecked in rivers, lakes, and wetlands, posing grave
environmental threats. The current state of solid waste management paints a grim picture.
Most cities adhere to a linear waste management model, with up to 90% of waste ending up
in indiscriminate dumpsites in states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya.
Mizoram and Manipur need help with uncollected waste, though Mizoram has made strides
in processing capability. Despite relatively high collection rates, segregation practices in
certain states remain inadequate, leading to haphazard dumping. Uncollected waste further
pollutes critical water bodies, exacerbating environmental concerns. The region hosts
approximately 172 operational dumpsites, with Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland
bearing the highest numbers. The urgency to remediate these sites aligns with the Swachh
Bharat Mission 2.0's goal of reclaiming dumpsites by 2026. However, the challenging terrain
complicates biomining and disposal efforts, necessitating specialized expertise and careful
handling of legacy waste fractions. Transportation costs and technical challenges add to the
complexity, highlighting the need for meticulous planning and supervision in any waste
management endeavour. Proper direction of mined fractions is crucial to mitigate
environmental impact effectively.

Reference: www.downtoearth.org.in
Problem Statement
The Green Hills, a prominent waste management business owned by Sophia, has been a key
player in Shillong since its establishment in 2000.
They provide integrated waste management solutions including collection, segregation,
recycling, and disposal services.
-Collection: Gathering waste from various sources to initiate the waste management
process.
-Segregation: Sorting waste into different categories for efficient recycling or disposal.
-Recycling: Processing waste materials into new products to reduce resource consumption
and environmental impact.
-Disposal: Managing waste that cannot be recycled or reused through landfilling,
incineration, or alternative methods.
With successful expansion throughout Meghalaya, the company is poised for further
growth, fuelled by the increasing demand for waste management in the Northeast. Recently
securing Rs. 75 crores in funding from a venture capitalist, The Green Hills aims to extend its
operations to other states in the region.
Revenue Model
Waste Collection Fees: Charging fees for collecting waste from households, businesses,
and institutions based on volume or weight.
Sale of Recycled Products: Generating revenue by selling recycled items like gift items,
biogas, and compost.
Contractual Agreements: Securing contracts with municipalities and businesses for
ongoing waste management services.
Grants and Funding: Seeking grants and subsidies from government agencies and
organizations supporting waste management and sustainability.
Educational Programs: Generating revenue through workshops and training on waste
management practices.

As a renowned consultant, you have been approached to craft a comprehensive business

model, to be evaluated on the social impact and the financial and business sustainability it
promises.
Major Requirements
Comprehensive Business Model: A detailed plan encompassing geographic expansion,
technological integration, and community engagement.
Social Impact Assessment: A thorough evaluation mechanism to measure the quantifiable
benefits in terms of waste reduction and community wellbeing.
Financial Viability Analysis: A detailed assessment of the model's ability to generate returns
on the venture capital investment and maintain long-term profitability.

Deliverables

❖ Teams will have to make a 2-slider deck consisting of 1 slide explanation for choosing
the given case and 1 slide solution for the same (excluding introduction and thank
you slides).
❖ You can make assumptions; state them clearly.