In a pleasant change from the usual for the public in Manipur, five union ministers are visiting the state in quick succession. The recent shift in focus from being a mere member state of the Indian union to one which is being projected as the gateway to the neighboring Asian countries is remarkable, and with it, the perceptible change in attention and assistance from the centre cannot be ignored. So far, the Prime Minister’s promise of delivering progress in the north eastern part of the country is being pursued with alacrity and apparent enthusiasm. The frequent visits by the union ministers to oversee the progress of various developmental activities have put the state government on heightened alert, and have even managed to uncover various blunders and gross oversights in administrative practices so far undetected due to the sheer inefficiency and ignorance of the officials and authorities running the show in Manipur, as was the case when Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industries Nirmala Sitharaman, on her two day official visit recently expressed her displeasure when officials at Moreh, the border town could not give her the amount of revenue collected along with other relevant data from the export and import business and that construction of the multi-storeyed shopping mall was much behind schedule.
But such pointed efforts by the centre is bound to come to an end eventually, and however much attention and assistance is being provided by the centre, the fact of the matter is that the ultimate responsibility of ensuring the timely and correct implementation of these developmental projects rests with the state government. It should take a proactive role and make sure none of the projects are delayed or dither for any reason whatsoever. Most importantly, for these projects to be efficiently implemented, a radical approach needs to be developed regarding the utilization of resources and work must be allocated or entrusted to those who are capable of handling it, and should put an end to the practice of favoritism and exchanging of considerations so rampant in the society today. A lot also lies with the public who needs to understand the importance of getting these projects completed at the earliest. In a society as volatile as ours, there has always been an inherent danger of delays and cost overruns caused by bandhs, blockades, arson and even threats of violence. We must understand that the biggest benefit will be felt by the common public who will have improved infrastructures like roads that will increase connectivity and help in bringing people and communities closer, dispelling many false impressions and preconceived notions which in turn will definitely develop mutual respect and understanding. We should support and assist in any which way we can to bring these projects to fruition if we are to enjoy a better future as a cohesive society.
