Though incomplete the inaugural spree by the present government when election is just about 100 days to go by showed that how important is it to take up developmental project if they want people to support them. Inaugurations of various government projects in the last few days is an indication of the Government realizing the need to keep in pace with the rest of the country if they want peoples’ support to let them continue the government for another year.
Not everything went wrong as we see various spheres of public utilities being changes and one can feel the impact of these changes. What remains a matter of deep concern for the general public is the hasty attempt of the Chief Minister Ibobi to inaugurate government structures (some incompleted)and the reports and news of underutilization of funds being written about with increasing regularity. The recent oppositions of inaugural attempt of a 50 bedded Hospital in Ukhrul district and the reaction from civil society organizations in Jiribam showed lack of sincerity to the side of the government. And the directives of the Union Home Affairs Ministry to sent details of the utilization of fund under 13th Finance Commission is something which is showing the true picture of the government which is completing its third term.
The authorities may well have their valid reasons for not being able to utilize these funds or take up certain activities, but these reasons and circumstances should be made known to the general public. Various mechanisms have been formulated to make governance more transparent and accountable, yet much remain to be cleared about regarding these activities. The government, being representatives of the public should always be responsible and accountable to the public. Sanctions and aids, whatever be the amount, means little if not utilized to the optimum. Another aspect of all these activities are the integrity and resoluteness of the government in seeing to the timely completion of these ventures with the specified quality. The achievements of the government in this regard is rather miniscule, the delayed and scrapped projects and cost overruns overshadowing the little successes. Adding to the mayhem are the “organisations” purportedly working for the public good while pursuing personal gains through means foul and fair all in the name of serving the society, disrupting these development activities when their wishes are not catered to. The sign of a good and fair government is in the trust and support the people displays towards it. Adopting an elitist attitude and flaunting and abusing the powers bestowed upon them by the people will only alienate them from the same people who put them in their exalted positions in the first place. Only an earnest pursuit for the welfare of the public and an open approach in their working will ensure their position in the public domain. Maintaining and building on the already existing works is what the public is eagerly waiting and watching out for. Unless diligence is displayed in right earnest, it will only be a matter of time before the Government becomes “for few people, bye the people and off the people”.
