The import of Civic Action Programmes
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: July 20 2011 -

The security forces, the army included, like the Assam Rifles, the BSF and the CRPF have undertaken lots of programmes to win the confidence of the people. These acts are generally termed as Civic Action Programmes. The civic action programmes cover a wide spectrum.

Sports programmes, including tournaments, medical camps, environment based social programmes, cultural promotion programmes, interaction between the security forces and the general populace, promotion of women's income generation capacities, distribution of free medicines and sport equipment, sewing machines, building material, construction of roads, construction and or augmentation of water supply schemes, construction of community halls and sports fields, organizing of picnics and excursion tours, are some actions taken up by the security forces, particularly the para military forces.

These actions taken in isolation deserves praise and commendation. But they have also to be seen from the perspective of improving the image of the security forces and their efforts to initiate confidence building measures in the general populace.

Seen from this particular angle it may be worthwhile to have a second appraisal of their efficacy. Here it needs to be stated forthright that this small write up is being undertaken with a positive stand on the praiseworthy works of the security forces.

Let us mull over a few factors.

It seems, and this may be open to contention, that certain entities among the paramilitary forces and the security forces have devised a long term plan to carry out civic action programmes, some others focus mainly on humanitarian calls resulting from natural disasters or tragic accidents, and yet others who perfunctorily carry out such programmes just so to meet a time frame deadline.

How could all these civic action programmes gain real appreciation of the people?

One suggestion that comes in mind is that they could be coordinated under a specific annual calendar, that is, apart from those acts in response to emergencies.

To each according to its financial and man power strength, the heads of the paramilitary and military units based in Manipur could form a steering committee, or whatever, and chalk out an annual plan for civic action programmes.

There need not be joint action programmes, the effort should be to reduce redundancy and to stick to a routine where as many programmes as possible, covering diverse fields, are carried out in a year.

Where will this help the most ? It will help most in the primary focus of these programme, to win the confidence and trust of the people.

That these civic action programmes are productive is clear, that people benefit from such programmes is clear, that they provide a humane face to the men in uniform is clear, and on the other hand, that they need to be coordinated is clear, and that they need a common chain of command is also clear.

What else is needed? Action and will power is required.

After all the role of the armed forces in Manipur is very complicated, and it makes special efforts to reach out to the people.

It is already doing yeoman service, and the only suggestion is, perhaps a better planning will benefit it even more.