Deficit Governing Skills!!!
Z. K. Pahrii Pou *
Assembly building at Chingmeirong, Imphal in February 2013 :: Pix - Bullu Raj
Manipur politicians seem to have run out of governing skills. Every time a problem (big or small) arises, they would rush to New Delhi and seek help. The helpless citizens wait eagerly (for a week or month) to hear what their elected representative would bring from Delhi.
Interestingly, all of them brought the same news on their return: the central leaders gave us patient hearing and they promised to take the matter with all seriousness. For time being, this pacified the public but nothing happened in reality. So there are unresolved and increasing problems in our state. There is no peace and security. During the transportation of problems to New Delhi, crores of rupees (public funds) are being spent and our state remained poor and undeveloped.
If there is any competition and prize for visiting Central leaders, first prize will go to either Manipur political leaders or leaders of civil organisations. We did not see or hear of leaders from other state visiting non-stop to New Delhi like those from Manipur. Probably, many of our elected MLAs are more familiar with New Delhi than their own constituency.
We elected them to serve us not to lord over us. Unless invited they never visit us. Their duty is to inform us and educate us about the various schemes and funds available from Centre. However, they seek for their own welfare and have little or no concern for the wellbeing of the poor and the weak. Five years (1825 days) is not enough for many MLAs to visit each and every village under their constituency.
Many MLAs might not have even spent their LADF properly. Almost every year, we hear news of returning unutilised fund to Centre from various departments. Those who do not have the skill to utilise funds sanctioned by Centre for various projects should not contest election although they may be rich and powerful.
Till today, our political leaders have not realised that they have failed in governance although Manipur ethnic groups are observing strikes and protest in almost all the important cities of India. If our leaders do not have creative and innovative mind to carry forward our state to modern world, it is better that they give up their post because it is not possible to run todays world with yesterdays knowledge.
The insensible debate on old aged home during the ongoing bye-election campaign between the Congress and the BJP, shows the lack of real concern of our seasoned political leaders towards its own people. How many old aged homes have our government constructed for old people in our state?
Thousands of old aged persons are struggling without proper food and shelter and our politicians are making fun of them. They make big issue out of non-issue. They hardly raise the real issue. In every election, territorial integrity is made centre stage propaganda to win votes. Attacking the personality and digging out the mistake of past life of each other shows the immaturity of politicians.
The real issue is providing security to the people and protecting their livelihoods. AFSPA and fake encounters pose great threat to the lives of people of Manipur today. The concern of rickshaw pullers, auto drivers, fish workers, vegetable vendors, petty traders, differently abled persons, peasants and other manual labourers are never highlighted by our politicians during election campaign.
The empowerment and safety of women in our own state is completely left out. The more than seven lakhs educated unemployed youths in the state and the problem of migration in search of job and education are all overlooked by our old aged politicians. The protection of land and its resources from the global corporate is another immediate need in the face of transnational highways and free trade.
Our political leaders also need to think seriously how to bring harmony and reconciliation among the various ethnic groups. We need peace. If anybody is lacking governing skills, give chance to others. Lets us not fool the public anymore. We need new Manipur where everyone can live and walk freely with dignity.
* Z. K. Pahrii Pou wrote this article for e-pao.net
The writer can be contacted at zkpahr(aT)gmail(doT)com
This article was posted on November 15, 2015.
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