Cautiously optimistic, as one sojourns into the second week of 2016, can anyone remember a single deed the State Government undertook in 2015 that earned admiration and accolade from its citizens?
In doing so, one could stumble upon, possibly inadvertently, on (mis)deeds that rather earned reverse adulation. The Game of Thrones at the beginning of the year culminating in a colossal anti-climax in the form of an opposition-less government - both within and outside the assembly; the alleged bunga bunga antics of some of its esteemed members; and the 30-minutes Assembly session tops the chart.
The Nagas are generously forgiving, perhaps haplessly so, drowning the whole year of complaints with 10 Days of cultural extravaganza in December followed by a prolonged festive season interspersed with weddings, jubilees and of course –the Christmas and the New Year.
For the common people, life trudges on. It is a nepotistic government, is a familiar refrain one could hear from the people of the State grunting but piteously unable to do anything about it. Tragically, they would do the same thing if they were on the other side. Abuse of discretion, favoritism, and cronyism are its dear cousins while its bedfellow’s bribery, embezzlement, theft and fraud, and extortion lurk ominously in the corner.
Systemic corruption is the biggest bane Nagas are unfortunately endowed with. According to
U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre, endemic or systemic corruption occurs when Corruption becomes an “integrated and essential aspect of the economic, social and political system … the major institutions and processes of the state are routinely dominated and used by corrupt individuals and groups, and in which most people have no alternatives to dealing with corrupt officials.” Sound familiar?
Consequently, it leads to a distinct situation referred to as ‘Political and Grand corruption’ where collective goods are illegitimately converted into private-regarding payoffs and influences policy formulation.
As the year starts this column earnestly suggests some measures to the people at the helm of affairs as well as the common citizens to take note and rouse themselves from the common ennui they are inflicted with.
At the outset, the road to recovery should start from, literally and figuratively, the road itself. It is potholes and running sludge in summer and dusty and bumpy at other times. Spare the public from this unique experiment. Nagaland has enough water bodies and rivers to indulge the citizen in their leisure time.
The politician should spend less time in entertaining its citizen with their playful antics and bring back accountability and administration to the people. To put bluntly, bring back governance into government.
Streamline the educational system. Every year, thousands of students suffer on account mismanagement inflicting both the lower and higher education. The recurring bungling controversy of technical entrance exam is a case in point. Spare the coveted but humble salaries of the teachers and let the student’s have their deserving scholarship in time.
It is indeed a miracle to witness bureaucrats, administrators and political classes- of various avatars conjure up in quickest time such extravaganzas as palatial houses, farms and latest automobiles with meager salaries.
If it is only the limited remuneration, indeed their investment prowess can shame a Wall Street honcho or a management expert and give them a run for their money.
Perhaps, this year they could divulge their trade secrets to the growing army of unemployed youth in the State and teach them the quickest way to earn money and solve the unemployment problem once and all. Or perhaps the budget deficits.
For any comment, drop a line to moajamir@live.com.
