The Problem of Quick Fix

Dr. Asangba Tzudir

 

The condition of roads in Nagaland presents a classic case of how the state addresses the myriad of issues and problems. The condition of roads whether it’s good or bad does not provide any comfort either physically mentally. The bad roads tortures physically while the very few ‘good’ ones provide the mental discomfort of ‘how long’ will it last, coz what lies underneath reveals the truth with the first shower.


Looking at the deplorable condition of roads in Nagaland certain thoughts arises as to whether it has actually become an impossible proposition to envisage long term plans? Is the only way out being quick fixes? The latter seems to have been applied in all the problems and issues confronting today. 


Quick fix in actuality is a type of problem-solving technique which involves utilizing the fastest solution to keep the problem from recurring in the near future. However, in context, quick fix has been conveniently applied to cases where permanent fixes are required and hence, the quick fix becomes just a temporal measure that do not provide any inadequate solution to a problem.    


All these are aptly reflected in the many unsettled contentious issues starting from Assam-Nagaland boundary line; ILP, NLTP Act, RIIN, Socio-cultural and economic issues and various developmental policies, etc. and of course the most pressing Naga Political Issue. Taking the case of the Naga political issue, the week before the supposed Naga Political settlement date was abuzz with economic activities and political anticipation on various uncertain lines rather than certainty. With the passage of the supposed date, it seems like nothing has happened, and the status of the talks seems to have disappeared into thin air. The general populace seems to be relieved about the fact that there was no damage caused or any form of violence or bandh enforced in spite of the perceived fear. Whatever the final settlement is, what if it is just another quick fix solution or a small package considering the years of struggle? Unless a long term solution is envisaged.

  
A look at how the various issues have been handled today creates a dilemma which also mirrors a bleak future. A dilemma about whether there is something beyond quick fixes or the societal condition and conditioning is such that a permanent solution becomes impossible? Ironically, this temporal measure which hardly offers solution has become a permanent measure to address issues and problems that is in need of long lasting solutions.


Can we go beyond the quick fix and employ measures that can provide long term solutions? This requires a ‘will’ to go out of the normalized and comforted way, and begin by thinking about what could be ‘good and fair for all’ rather than treating the issues and problems through the application of means. The idea of a ‘good and fair for all’ also calls for a moral responsibility from the policy makers as well as the public as stakeholders with the objective of rebuilding the value system especially in matters that calls for justice. 


For now, this quick fix approach to addressing all the issues has become a very painful problem. It not only shuts long term solutions to the problems but also blinds us from seeing the future consequences.

 

(Dr. Asangba Tzudir contributes a weekly guest editorial to The Morung Express. Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com)