The correct answer is: a) Greater integration with the Indian Union.
The North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) was a region in northeastern India that was administered by the Government of India from 1954 to 1972. The formation of NEFA marked a shift in administrative approach towards greater integration with the Indian Union. This was in contrast to the previous policy of indirect rule, which had been in place under British colonial rule.
The policy of greater integration was based on the belief that the people of NEFA should be brought into the mainstream of Indian life and that they should have the same rights and opportunities as other Indians. This policy was implemented through a number of measures, including the establishment of schools and hospitals, the construction of roads and bridges, and the introduction of new agricultural practices.
The policy of greater integration was not without its critics. Some people argued that it was too rapid and that it did not take into account the unique culture and traditions of the people of NEFA. Others argued that it was not successful in bringing about the desired level of development.
Despite these criticisms, the policy of greater integration remained in place until 1972, when NEFA was renamed Arunachal Pradesh and granted statehood. The granting of statehood was seen as a further step towards the integration of Arunachal Pradesh with the Indian Union.
The other options are incorrect because:
- Option b) Maintaining tribal autonomy is incorrect because the policy of greater integration was based on the belief that the people of NEFA should be brought into the mainstream of Indian life and that they should have the same rights and opportunities as other Indians.
- Option c) Emphasis on rapid modernization is incorrect because the policy of greater integration was implemented through a number of measures, including the establishment of schools and hospitals, the construction of roads and bridges, and the introduction of new agricultural practices. These measures were not aimed at rapid modernization, but rather at improving the lives of the people of NEFA.
- Option d) Continuation of colonial policies is incorrect because the policy of greater integration was a departure from the previous policy of indirect rule, which had been in place under British colonial rule.