Big on promises, short on delivery
When Neiphiu Rio returned to the State for his fourth stint as the Chief Minister, the action as well as the venue for his oath-taking was considered ‘historic.’ For the first time, a government in the state was sworn-in at a public place - The Kohima Local Ground, which was also the venue of the historic declaration of the Statehood of Nagaland on December 1, 1963.
“We have also chosen to conduct the function at this historic place in honour of the people we are to serve, and to also remind ourselves publicly of the responsibilities that lie upon our shoulders,” the new CM earnestly declared according to a report by the official State News agency.
In a rare departure, the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) government’s first day in office had promised conspicuous changes within a matter of hundred days in office, with a highly ambitious deadline and target for accomplishment.
While many citizens hardened with years of broken vows considered it a fruitless bluff, others, albeit cynicism, welcome the same, taking the novelty and audacity of the announcement at face value. it was augmented with a genuine desire for their state to experience a paradigm shift in governance and polity, which the new dispensation pledge to unveil.
The 100 days, however, have come and gone, with a deafening silence, unlike the gaudy announcement.
A fact-check by The Morung Express on the 100th day of PDA’s targeted Agenda has shown that the achievements at best were rudimentary – lofty promises complimented with shorter achievements.
Those at the helms of affairs were in a tailspin when queried about the achievements as the deadline approached. For instance, the government pledged that it will make all out “efforts to implement good governance initiatives implement transparency and promote a culture of meritocracy”
Among others, it entails “all Government Departments and Government Institutions to have its “websites, internet portals and social media accounts that provide all information related to their respective Departments within 100 days.” Biometric attendances in all offices were also promised within 100 days. When last checked, the implementation process in most government entities, starting from the top, were found wanting.
Ditto for an insurance scheme for students and new sports policy, either awaiting ‘approval’ or announcement. The new Civil Aviation policy promised within 100 days was only at a ‘proposal stage’. Many other promises are waiting to incubate.
There was some notable headway though. Among others, the laying down of foundation for Dr T Ao Football Academy, Banning of VIP culture, an Investment & Development Authority, overhauling of Hornbill festival.
The most courageous and pertinent promise was the guarantee “to repair and renovate and filling of potholes in the State capital, the commercial hub, Dimapur and the (other) district headquarters within 60 days” and “a comprehensive master plan for maintenance of all major roads.”
While some progresses were made, the concerned department blamed the weather as well counting of days according to “60 working days” as opposed to an arithmetic counting.
The PDA Government taking a cue, must be banking on “100 actual working days,” or must be busy spinning a new tale. Perhaps, it is another day, another broken promise.
