Visit to Grong!!!

Cradle of civilization and a role model of self- sufficiency, Grong has it all!
A four days trip was worth visiting “Sameien Sijte”, going on a ski- tour, understanding the local administration & visiting Namskogfamiliepark.

LOCAL ECONOMY: -
With farming, sheep & cattle rearing as the main occupation of the localites, Grong houses 2500 persons. It is geographically situated between the two rivers Sanddøla & Namsen, is located 200km to the north of Trondheim, and politically lies in the district of Namdalen, placing itself right in the heart of Norway.
However, the nature based economic activities include salmon- fishing (to the extent of 25-40 tonnes per year) and forestry (due to the vast areas of Spruce trees). In former years, Grong has witnessed the growth of tourism industry, small-scale & large scale industries. This growth has occurred in the context of salmon fishing, ski sports, hunting, canoe boating & cycling.
Local handicrafts have also played an important role in upgrading the economy. Tools made of Spruce trees, knitting and jewellery stones (Smykkesteiner) occupy a significant place in the handicrafts market.

POLITICAL ADMINISTRATION: -
The political structure of the commune is decided by the periodical elections, taking place once in 4 years.
The legislative department consists of 17 officials belonging to different political parties, but the chairmanship or the decisive authority vests only in 5 members (Executive body). Unlike in India, the officials are also persons holding offices of profit. Hence, there are professionals like teachers, shopkeepers, doctors, & farmers participating in the regional politics. The Mayor (Ordfører) is the only “full-time” politician.
Besides these, 300 persons are employed for the administrative tasks in the fields of education, health care, old age, infrastructure etc.
It is interesting to know, how the government realises its goals of social security & fulfils its responsibility of “creating jobs” to prevent unemployment.
In the sphere of exercising the ‘International Responsibility’, the commune has established a refugee centre, ‘Friendship towns’ in Poland & Eritheria (East Africa). ‘Friendship towns’ in Eritheria have been established to aid the water supply programmes and the exchange programme, sponsored by both the State & the commune.
In order to integrate the refugees into the Norwegian society, language courses are offered and financial aid is given for food & housing and jobs are provided.
However, there remains to be a paradoxical situation wherein 40% of the total population do not exercise their voting rights largely due disinterest.