It can arguably be stated that the present Chief Minister of Manipur- Okram Ibobi should be credited with ushering in a stable government after the chaos and confusions of political infightings and party-hopping that was threatening to disintegrate the already volatile political scenario in the state. That he was selected from amongst a motley crew of political heavyweights contending for the top post by the centre speaks volumes of his underestimated ability to convince and control the situation. He was, in all fairness, a rank outsider when it comes to the race for the Chief Minister’s chair, but to the incomprehensible amazement and no small sense of betrayal, he became the man at the helm of affairs, and love it or hate it, he has been at the most coveted political post for three terms consecutively.
While the vicious criticisms and accusations of his style of governance and questions about his earnestness to develop the state continue unabated, it must be said that at present, there is a semblance of political stability, if not anything else, and that this general perception has been able to pacify the public on various counts so far. There is also a subtle yet perceptible change in the atmosphere and attitude of the bureaucrats dispensing their entrusted duties to the state. Of late, the sense of urgency and earnestness being displayed by these bureaucrats have proved to be a welcome relief and a reason for raising one’s hope of a better state, albeit still with dollops of cynicism and reservations.
One prominent example of the positive change being witnessed by the public is the alacrity and enthusiasm with which the Clean Imphal project which is being carried out as a precursor to the efforts and objective of developing Imphal into a Smart City. The increase in the drive and energy of the workers is unmistakable, and would only be possible when the authorities and bureaucrats at the top have encouraged and provided the much needed fillip to boost the morale of the workers. Another instance worth mentioning is the efforts being put in by the Manipur State Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MSPDCL) since it inception in 2014 not only to provide prepaid metered power supply to every family in the state, but also the relentless drive to spread awareness regarding judicious use of power and ways to conserve energy- steps which would benefit the consumers as well as the state as a whole, making Manipur self reliant in power and saving valuable resources while being able to enjoy uninterrupted power supply. The Regional News Unit of All India Radio, with the initiative of an individual from the state have tapped the tremendous reach of social media networks to popularize and made available the news of the region beyond the conventional reach. The changing face of bureaucrats can also be gauged by an incident when a newly selected bureaucrat defied threats from seniors and politicians, refusing to sign an acknowledgment for a shabby contract work, even to the point of being deputed elsewhere. The energized and enthusiastic bureaucrats, especially the young crop should be encouraged to dispense their duties without restraint or undue pressure. An assuring and encouraging attitude from the Chief Minister will go a long way towards that end. There are also entities like Imphal Times ready to stand up and provide support anytime- everytime.
