The alacrity with which the Chief Minister personally took up the task of looking into the issue of supplying sub-standard commodities and items to the state security personnel after reports of sub-standard belts being supplied to the security personnel started doing the rounds on a social media website. The incident bodes well for the state and its public in more ways than one, and is sure to be a comforting thought to many when leaders come out in the open with wrongdoings and assure the people of handing out appropriate punishment to those involved in such misdeeds which affects the public one way or the other.
Given the rather lethargic response from the authorities during such uncomfortable unearthing by the previous governments for so long making the public to reluctantly accept and expect a similar response, the promptness of action on the part of the Chief Minister comes as a pleasant surprise to almost everybody in Manipur. Displaying his eagerness to bring the system in line with the aspirations of the people and the regulations under which it is expected to perform, Biren have succeeded in conveying the message of integrity and earnestness in discharging duties in the public domain. It has been a while since the people of Manipur saw a leader leading from the front and admitting to mistakes and more importantly, displaying earnest intent to address the same.
Another encouraging sign that the CM is a keen observer and follower of the trends, views and news of the state and its people has been confirmed with the latest incident. He has been known not only to air his views and opinions on matters of public importance since a long time, but also to interact with the public on social media thus making him accessible and approachable even if not in person, but through the social media and thus helping break down another social and political barrier that has stood between the leaders and the public for as long as one would care to remember. In order for a good leader to decide in various matters of public importance, it is vital to keep a tab on the pulse of the society and Biren is wise enough not to repeat the fatal mistake of his predecessors who, once elected, became the untouchables, approached only through channels that needs to be oiled and buttered- an abhorrent system developed and maintained to safeguard the interests of the very few indulging in blatant nepotism and cronyism.
The early signs are good, and despite the air of cautious distrust that is steadily being blown away, the Chief Minister now need to display the same eagerness and intent in finding out those involved in various forms of malpractices and in doling out punishments befitting the crimes without further delay as only a system of swift and impersonal governance and administration can win the trust of the public as well garner their invaluable support and assistance without which the grandest of ideas or the best of intents will come to naught. Action speaks louder than words.
