Politicization of welfare schemes : From mudslinging to slugfest
- The Sangai Express Editorial :: April 23 2016 -
What unfolded at Moirang Bazar on April 21 was just a manifestation of politicization of public welfare schemes.
Two opposite camps belonging to rival political parties literally came to blows over distribution of ration cards for the National Food Security (NFS) Act which is set to be implemented in the State with effect from April 25.
Whatever might be the point of altercation and the subsequent exchange of blows, it was writ large that both the parties were hankering after credits.
They want credits from their voters for bringing NFS Act and the benefits it promises.
It was rather unbecoming on the part of the rival political parties to capitalise on ration cards for galvanising their support bases.
Although most political parties have a tendency to politicize every single issue, no matter how trivial they are, politicization of welfare schemes and development projects never serve public interests.
It only creates undue disturbances, conflicts and even violence as witnessed at Moirang.
Everyone wanted to have a share of the pie (distribution of ration cards) and this was the main cause for the violent confrontation.
It was rather surprising that both the rival political parties were seemingly harbouring a notion that delivery of ration cards can sway voters in their favour.
This must be clear that delivery of ration cards is something expected from the Government and the Government should not expect anything in return.
The same applies to all political parties and elected representatives. Igniting a slugfest over who should be distributing ration cards is most detestable.
Churning out volumes of malicious propaganda and hurling allegations and counter-allegations are something that go together with the genre of democracy practised in India.
But derailing or delaying a noble initiative like NFS Act on account of confrontation between two rival political parties is simply unacceptable. It has been quite a long time political parties have been taking the people of Manipur for a ride.
It must be clear that delivery of ration cards should never be assumed as any act of charity nor any accomplishment. People are aware that political parties have done more harm than good to the State.
NFS Act is set to be implemented in the State from Monday but distribution of ration cards to the beneficiaries is far from complete. It is one crucial area where both the Government and all elected representatives should focus their attention.
Confrontation over who should be distributing ration cards is unnecessary wastage of time and energy, not to mention the public nuisance it created.
Let a third party do it if the rival political parties suspect that the party which handles distribution of ration cards would be scoring political mileage out of it.
At the same time, citizens need not grant any favour to the political parties/leaders which deliver them their ration cards.
It is their (political parties/elected representatives) duty to deliver ration cards and work consistently for overall development of people’s livelihood.
It would indeed be a milestone and a big lesson to all political parties if the citizens stand up and ask political parties to stop politicizing development projects and welfare schemes.
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