Is Manipur ripe for socio-economic-politico revolution

Ph Didar *

We, Manipuris, always hope to see our state at the best level among all other states in the country. But quite contrary to this, Manipur has not achieved that rank yet, and, it will take a long time to go to that position. So, right now at this stage, I completely deny the fact that Manipur is ripe for socio- conomic-politico revolution.

Though, overall view of Manipur's socio-economic-politico scenario in recent years suggests that Manipur has gone far towards this achievement, but if we examine carefully, we will understand better than the so-called revolution yet is a dream. The overall economic growth for last some years, various socio-security scenes, a heavy infrastructural growth, industrialization, better-communication system have taken Manipur to a better economic position in history but obviously it is not in that place when we can say - yes, Manipur is now ready for a great socio-economic-politico revolution which we Manipuris are waiting to see.

The term revolution has been used to denote great changes in power or organizational structure that is interrelated with society, culture, philosophy and technology of a civilization. Their results include major changes in culture, economy and socio-political institutions. These terms are co-related and always have some impact on each another. Manipur is far away from this revolution to take place, because, still there are many hurdles in the social, economic and political background of our state that hinder its development thoroughly.

SOCIAL PROBLEMS:

To discuss some major social problems, the first issue that draws our attention is the age-old corruption system. Even today the corruption system restricts people from changing one's occupation and aspiring to a better lifestyle in many regions of our state. Thus, a barber can't become a goldsmith and even a highly skilled carpenter can't aspire to the lifestyle or privileges enjoyed by an officer in many cases. This barrier to mobility on society restricted economic prosperity to a few castes.

Next, we can discuss here about women sufferings. Though the position of women in our state is far better than that of others yet the development of lifestyle and technologies increase their sufferings in different ways. Still our women are not totally free from these intolerable sufferings like rape, murder, kidnapping, assaults, domestic - violence, which make their lives miserable.

Another major issue is increasing violence throughout the state. Almost everyday, we hear of some attacks, or some blasts or riots here and there. This causes social and economic lapses. Another drawback is Manipur educational problem that hinders society's progress. Still in Manipur, a large number of children at primary, secondary and higher level are derived of their right to education for various regions.

The measure taken in this regard "Sarva Siksha Abhiyan" has not been implemented well in many rural parts of the state. Besides this, there are many problems. If these social stigmas are removed from society in near future, only then can we think of a revolution, otherwise not.

POLITICAL PROBLEMS:

At first, I am very much eager to focus on political corruption. Now-a-days it is a very popular topic to discuss. Everyday we see some news of corruption starting from MGNREGS scam to VOTE for money and our political parties show their wrath upon one another. But to what extent it is solved, and whether they will be able to solve these problems in near future is very much doubtful.

In our state, there are so many political bodies and leaders and have no unity among them. They see all the social and economic problems from the political angle and rather start to gain profit by using these means than to solve it.

Actually, these various parties are the main source of all corruption and chaos in society. The worst sufferers are we, the people. Corruption has affected all the sectors like education, health, culture, employment etc. like a leech which is sucking our blood.

It is impossible here to discuss all the problems in socio-economic-political environment of Manipur through words because it is not a mere topic of debate, but, it really draws our concern through conscious mind. So, there is a great need to think over this issue again and again because "There can be revolution only when there is a conscience"