Indulging in corruption involving public money is a serious offence and deserves appropriate response from the top. But because politicians themselves are involved, it has not been possible for the State agencies to act when such cases of looting public money is reported. In the present context of President’s Rule, the public will naturally expect better response when it comes to addressing concerns over misuse of funds meant for development. The complaint lodged by the Longkhum Village Council alleging that the concerned contractor has drawn a sum of over Rs.3 crores even before the commencement of the actual work, is a direct affront on the welfare objective of the State and necessary action must be taken. Hopefully the Governor will continue to keep a close watch on the way public money meant for development is used or misused. And as assured by the Governor at the time of proclamation of President’s Rule, the administration under him must work for achieving peace, progress and development and to ensure that the State administration gears up to meet the expectations that citizens have from the Government.
One practical suggestion that the Governor can give the State Vigilance Department is to draw up a corruption ‘Perception Index’ of all Government departments in Nagaland. For instance, the Transparency International ranks countries on the basis of corruption perception index. Departments can be listed out in the order of corruption perception index from the most corrupt to the least corrupt. Every year this list can be published. This will help authorities to focus attention on the most corrupt departments. This suggestion was made several times in this column but did not draw any positive response. Similarly, a few years ago the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) had circulated a “Zero Tolerance Action Plan on Corruption” to all the State governments but this has remained only on paper. The Governor must use this present opportunity to help start the process of cleansing the corrupt system. The Governor’s intervention may well prove to be just what the good doctor ordered—to cure the present corrupt system of its ills. Taking on corruption and ensuring accountability and transparency in governance will be of great service to public welfare.
With regard to the Good Governance as a thrust area mentioned by the Governor, we welcome the initiative taken to improve delivery of services to citizens especially with regard to Public Distribution System. One welcomes the strong cognizance taken by the Governor’s office with regard to the diversion of a huge quantity of kerosene oil meant for Fair Price Shops in Longleng. The Governor in fact without wasting any time has directed that the quantity, about 22, 000 liters, diverted in the name of VIPs be canceled immediately and an action taken report be submitted to the Governor’s office without delay. Interestingly, the complaint of fuel diversion was received from the public of Longleng district. This proves that a non political government can be effective in its own way whatever the critics may say. The Governor’s office should expect more grievances coming from the pubic in the days ahead. As promised of giving citizens a Government that is SMART – Simple, Moral, Accountable, Responsive and Transparent, the Governor must continue to play the role of a watchdog, public servant and CEO with good effect.
