Why Not A Janta Darbar Here?
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: January 13, 2014 -

THERE is buzz around 'Aam Aadmi' culture as put forward by AAP Government in Delhi.

The new political culture aims at narrowing the gap between the Government and the public.

For decades, the elected representatives have been enjoying the 'supreme statuses' at the foundation of so-called people's democracy.

Many feel that there can be good governance if the Government can hear and empathize the people's grievances.

There is strong need for the leaders in the Government to interact with the public frequently.

Janta Darbar or Public Hearing is a platform where common people can apprise the Government of their grievances.

The Janta Darbar is being held by Chief Ministers of many States on some particular days of a month to receive complaints and know about their people's grievances.

The people would obviously feel elated if the Head of the Government acknowledges their problems.

On the contrary, in Manipur, the Ministers and MLAs seem to distance themselves from the people soon after they get elected.

No doubt, the Chief Minister meets people and hears their grievances, but through some JAC or CSO.

Otherwise, an individual man or woman would not be able to meet even the Deputy Commissioner. In fact, a barrier has been put in the line of communication between the Government and public.

However, it is a common practice among the MLAs to meet people from their respective constituencies on certain days either at their residences or official quarters.

The Chief Minister and his Council of Ministers should better look for something like Janta Darbar in order to build rapport with the public. The JACs and CSOs cannot represent the whole lot of people in the State.

There are numerous people whose voices cannot reach the Government's ears, apparently due to their lack of affiliation with social organizations.

In such cases, there is no other way to approach the Government rather than through the Janta Darbar. Chief Ministers of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are quite well-known for their Janta Darbars.

Unfortunately, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal failed to perform at his maiden Janta Darbar on Saturday. It is high time for Manipur Chief Minister to try out certain new things for the people.

He has been in the chair for more than 10 years. The same old style of administration would not suit the taste of young educated people in the years to come.

A drastic change has already swept the electorates of Delhi. The State would experience such similar changes sooner or later.

The Janta Darbar or public hearing of the Government would be one step towards winning the confidence of the people.

Many may argue that 'imitation' would not be the key to good governance, but then something worthwhile has to be worked out in the interests of the public.

The anti-corruption helpline introduced by Arvind Kejriwal has begun to show off results with the arrest of two constables of Delhi Police, who tried to extort money from some vendors.

The situation of Manipur could not be just imagined if such anti-corruption measures are introduced.

The Janta Darbar, if held at Mapal Kangjeibung, would be very dramatic.

Whether there is Janta Darbar or not, the State Government cannot simply remain 'deaf' to the voices of the people.