High Input, Low Output
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: May 23, 2013 -

As you sow, so shall you reap. But, it is not true in the case of Manipur Government. No matter what amount of money the Central Government pumps in, the output of State government is always negligible.

Many projects worth hundreds of crores of Rupees have been taken up by the State Government in the last few decades, but the outcome is so pathetic.

For instance, the Khuga Multipurpose Project, though formally inaugurated by UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi some years back, could not benefit the people in any way.

The "Multipurpose" tag of this Project should indeed be "No Purpose" in reality.

The Khuga Dam itself is a matter of controversy between contractors and Government rather benefitting the people.

The "success story" of the State Government doesn't end up here, lots many seasoned projects such as Imphal Sewerage Project, Sericulture Project and others being implemented with foreign assistance are just hung up in the air.

The foreign agencies might be wondering about the progress of these projects.

While Chinese engineers set a World record of constructing 30-storeyed building in 15 days, our engineers are struggling to complete a simple sewerage project for the last many years.

This, in fact, shows the inefficiency of the State Government in implementing various infrastructural projects.

Of course, quality control has also been compromised through mutual understanding between contractors and engineers.

Besides infrastructural projects, the Centrally sponsored schemes and programmes for education and social welfare are also in a murky situation.

The outcome of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Generation Scheme (MGNREGS), Sarva Shikshya Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shikshya Abhiyan (RMSA), National Rural Health Mission (NHRM) and other programmes are pathetic with many cases of fund embezzlement.

The beneficiaries of these schemes, mostly people belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL), are deprived of the actual benefits, but the allocated fund goes "unwasted" into the pockets of Ministers and bureaucrats.

The result of such pathetic projects is evident from the poor condition of government schools, hospitals and health centres in rural areas.

The performance of government schools in HSLC Examinations in the last many years is also a matter of serious concern.

The private school teachers on meagre salaries have so much dedication for their students.

But the government teachers, whose salaries are as much as five times more than the private teachers, are not concerned about the degrading education system in government schools. They only know how to make demands for increment and allowances.

Indeed, the whole system of the State government works upon the theory of "High Input, Low Output". The State will not progress if things go on in such pathetic manner.

The need of the hour is the integrity and commitment of the leaders. Things will only get worsened if the Government keeps functioning on "High Input, Low Output" method.

It has to be reversed as "Low Input, High Output" if the State really intends to move forward.

Therefore, all development projects should be implemented at great pace with full efficiency.

The State Government should also be proactive in rectifying the anomalies and render full benefits to the beneficiaries of various welfare schemes and programmes.