100 days so far not bad?

Free Thinker *

2nd Hill People's Day hosted by CM Nongthombam Biren on June 10 2017 :: Pix - DIPR

1. BJP led government or simply the Biren Singh government in Manipur has completed 100 days. According to my myopic & squint assessment the performance of this government is so far satisfactory if not outstanding .

2. The fastest achievement of this BJP led government was the lifting of the BLOCKADE which had paralyzed the State economy for quite some time. People were indeed suffering from the protracted blockade. Though a final settlement is yet to come, the continuing calm and dialogue is a great relief .

3. The dead bodies of Churachanpur were given an honorable last ritual (burial). This is again not a mean achievement. In a democracy only debate and discourse will lead us to amicable conclusions. Because of his media background Shri Biren understands the importance of dialogue. Probably people acknowledged it and reciprocated to his approach .

4. Now-a-days funds from the Centre are flowing perennially. There is a better understanding between the State and Centre. The financial difficulties of the State are well appreciated by the Center. I believe the State of Manipur has now got the right kind of pampering and patronage .

5. Festivals of peace and harmony which were unveiled in the parts of the states made an atmosphere of confidence and gaiety among the people. Announcements of financial packages for the district developments are another attraction .

6. The PDS leakage has been plugged in many parts of the state. The system has been streamlined to some extent. In the hills things are still not in proper shape .

7. The cleanliness drive in many parts of the State and particularly of the Imphal city is note worthy. Some Ministers and MLAs are taking keen interest in such campaigns .

8. Teachers, engineers, doctors and other officials have started attending their offices (duties) in the places where they are posted. If this trend continues it will be a commendable thing for the State .

9. Public hearing of the Chief Minister is extremely popular. People really like this move. However there is a big 'but' – whether the CM will be in a position to deliver on each and every complaints and grievances addressed to him!

10. An anti corruption cell has be set up in order to look into the corruption complaints filed by the citizens. The intention is really good; but I don't think it is an effective mechanism to curb corruption. Until and unless every one of us is ready for it, it is impossible to kick out the habit of give and take .

11. The initiative to keep the Assembly debates (proceedings of the House) in our Manipuri Script along with an English version is a path breaking decision to reckon with. Credit goes to the incumbent Speaker . 12. Ngari (fermented fry), Soibum (fermented bamboo shoot), Yu (local rice brew), etc are now outside the ambit of GST. Cheers to our Finance Minister who stood up for these .

13. Reviving of the Manipur State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is a great thing because it is a symbol of the existence of State governance and its assertion . Can we make it viable? It is still a million dollar question .

14. The initiative to start vocational courses in the colleges is a good beginning for linking education with occupation. It might be a part of Skilled-India or Start-up India or Make- in- India .

15. Irregularities in the selections, appointments, recruitments etc., are being examined or probed by the same authorities responsible for the same. It is an achievement in futility .

16. Increasing the pension of the retired insurgents and ensuring the lives of journalists are really commendable. An amnesty scheme for the die-hard disgruntled elements (blockade / bandh mongers) may be launched with some attractive offers like an exiled- salaried-settlement for life in Switzerland or Thailand .

17. Banning blockades and bandhs in the state is unrealistic but the intention is well understood by the masses. Novel nomenclatures like shut-down, complete-rest, defunct-day etc., will certainly crop up .

18. One of the major achievements of this government is that it has survived 100 days despite speculations of crumbling anytime; the premise of such a speculation was, 'it will not last long because of the inherent opportunistic coalition and borrowed majority'. Now the stability of this government lies with the Speaker. With my obscure knowledge of the 10th Schedule of the Constitution, I can predict that as long as the Speaker is on board this government survives .

19. In this five years they have to go many miles to deal with the endemic unemployment problem of the state, provide proper potable water to all, improve the quality of education and health-care, ensuring a self sustaining economy based on tourism, (including medico- tourism), horticulture, organic farming and finally my pet project – manufacturing and marketing of our sui generis brew which is no doubt compatible with the Russian Vodka. I strongly believe that this government will realize the global potential of our local brew?

20. It may sound like a paid news, but frankly speaking I have not been offered anything so far; not even an i-phone; forget about mobile phone, not even a tablet; not even a cup of tea was offered when I congratulated him on the completion of 100 days in office in person. I don't mind as long as they are doing many lucrative things for themselves and a few benevolent things for the people.