Moa Jamir
“Left unattended by government: Villagers repair stretch of NH 702D,” is the latest headline to hit the newspaper illustrating community solidarity and initiative has culminated into joint effort to the challenges confronting them – in this case, for a better road.
It once again re-affirms our faith in community consciousness in the society which resulted in their combined endeavour to enable means towards a common welfare. An inherent trait in the Naga society recognised as a positive endowment in many spheres.
In the recent past, we have borne witness to several inter-related initiatives and deeds undertaken earnestly by the citizens. Road repairing, health camps, self-financing teachers, repairing schools, social works et cetera; the list is endless from almost every corner of the State. Beyond the realms of mainstream media and social media, many citizens are doing their part, often not reported or highlighted.
However, such invaluable actions are symptomatic of how the Nagaland State Government has failed its citizen as well as it bounden duties. A reflection of the pathetic state of affairs we are living with.
With blithe nonchalance, the Government has become a proverbial ‘Nero’ looking the other way as the people of the State are crying for attention from every corner. Welfare of the people and the State seem to be the last thing on the minds of both the elected leaders as well as the administrative apparatus.
Often, convenient excuses are pitifully forwarded to justify omissions or commissions. The recent infamous press conference of the Minister for Road & Bridges on the road condition and financial constraints elaborated by almost every legislator are some instances.
Paradoxically, often we come across politicians complaining about excessive workforce in the government sector. But if the citizens are undertaking the responsibility of the government by working for general welfare, does this workforce exist only on paper?
It would be over-simplification to generalise the entire workforce under a category and blame them for the ills inflicting the State. However, in the vortex of corruption, honest employees become the first casualty and they are simply usurped by the system. An unfortunate and ominous scenario for the society.
Consequently, governance and accountability, the primary prerequisites for healthy progress of the any society, are acutely missing in Nagaland State. Almost all basic services and welfare activities are either in total disarray or sorely inadequate.
It elicits a pertinent question. For what purpose does the government exist – for itself or its citizens? Looking at the political-economy of the State since its inception, it seems the foremost objective of most politicians is personal gain, closely followed by their immediate kith and kin and to the area to which they belong.
In most cases, it has now become difficult to differentiate whether a deed undertaken by an elected representative or official is genuine or at the cost of others. A gesture at the behest of genuine beneficiaries or depriving some other deserving areas/individuals is self-defeating. It just legitimises corruption and makes it a way of life.
On the other hand, things have disintegrated to such an extent, it has also raised another important issue. Does it imply that the public, who elects their representative, is unable to engender accountability from the government and haplessly resorts to such actions?
Therefore, it is also time for the public to introspect and ponder how they have lost the ability or right to question their elected legislator or what inhibits the formation of an authentic movement to bring about desired changes in the society.
An honest answer to these queries would offer us a way out of this worrying trend.
For any comments drop a line to moajamir@live.com
