Development and progress are the two most important, and undeniable attributes of a society, and change is the only permanent aspect of our lives. No matter where a person or a group exists, changes are bound to happen, as had been since the very beginning of evolution. And these changes, for the most part, and for almost every aspects of the society, happen to have a positive impact leading to progress and development- socially, economically, psychologically and culturally. It is no surprise then, that our society, entrusted to a few representatives to initiate and accelerate the much needed developmental and progressive changes, have announced various plans and proposals to effect such changes. What is surprising though, is the fact that so far, almost none of the promises and plans have had a satisfactory and fruitful completion. Many at the helm of affairs of the state might put up such arguments that put the blame squarely on various unpredictable and undesirable determinants such as negative societal pressures, disruptions and threats from undesirable and anti-social elements, unethical and undue delay by certain bureaucrats to beget personal benefits etc. etc. Assuming many or even every reason put forth for such delays and unsatisfactory execution of public activities to be true, such deterrents to social progress should be made public, and be brought to justice. For this to happen, the Government needs to wash its hands of all underhand dealings and unfair practices and come clean- a task easier said than done, but not impossible. The unending slew of as-yet unfulfilled promises have made the public cynical of the various plans and proposals being doled out with unerring regularity by the state government. The people feels shortchanged and left out. Such a collective feeling of cynicism is neither a recent development nor an abrupt one, but is rather the culmination of the seemingly insignificant aberrations and persistent disregard for the concerns of the society. Apparent delays and inconsistencies in execution of developmental works only complicated the situation further. Yet all hopes are not lost, if reports of the state government having resolved to successfully and satisfactorily complete at least fifteen of the most important projects are to be believed. More than anything, the decision shows a step in the right direction, even while keeping in mind the fact that more than a hundred essential projects needs to be taken up right now. For our people chocked on promises, it is time for the government to walk the talk. Instead of announcing its grand plans and schemes, it is high time to act for the government in the state, starting with its not-so-meagre resources at its disposal, instead of waiting for the freebies and sops from the centre, only to be returned for lack of the will and the wherewithal to implement and utilize such resources in the state.
