The political economy of bad roads in Nagaland: Rebooted
Moa Jamir
'NOT DRUNK - Avoiding Potholes' used to be a cheeky bumper stick on vehicles when The Morung Express did a story of deplorable condition of roads in Nagaland in 2014. Two Hornbill Festivals and an impending one later, things have not changed but rather worsened necessitating a reboot.
But before accusing the State Government for fiddling like Nero, one can safely argue that it knows exactly what it is doing by ‘doing nothing' and extremely logical in keeping the roads perpetually bad.
Call this the political economy of bad roads, a brilliant economic model grounded in pragmatism and sagacity.
The modus operandi is simple: Keeping the road perpetually in bad condition accrues both direct and indirect benefits often overlooked by the complaining plebeians.
Directly, it ensures regular works for contractors, which in turn generates regular employment for the workers and also serves periodically as publicity stunt for our unnecessarily harassed but diligent political leaders.
The indirect benefits, however, pale in comparison to the direct benefits.
Few hypotheses can be forwarded to defend the Government's (in)action and acute forbearance despite the chorus of cries from every corner of Nagaland State.
First, it enables a booming automobile market and ancillary products. It is Simple Mechanics. The road condition ensures that vehicles wear out faster, breakdown more frequently and consume more fuel, thus creating a booming industry, adulteration or otherwise.
No wonder, the number of registered vehicles in Nagaland shot up from 1,83,716 in 2006 to 2,91,438 in 2012 averaging 1 vehicle for every 7 persons (as opposed to an all India average of 1 vehicle for every 31 persons). The State Minister for Transport, IT & Communication said that the figure has increased to 3.30 lakh in August last year.
Besides, ancillary industries like spare parts shops, repairs shops and car grooming salons have sprung exponentially solving the critical unemployment crisis faced by the State. Considering that many government employees are howling non-payment of salaries, it seems a better option.
It is ‘healthy’ business, literally and figuratively, as bad roads engender a robust healthcare sector, which otherwise would have been railing under distress.
Visit any sleepy town in Nagaland, and you will find at least a couple of thriving pharmacies albeit non-existent health centres or other basic amenities. The health care sector has become an extremely lucrative business in recent years.
It further spawned an alternative cottage industry providing employment to many individuals without requiring any educational qualification, only 'capable hands - the quintessential in-house 'Malishwalas’ or ‘Koberas’ whose work portfolios cover head to toes.
Bad roads also save lives and unwanted accidents by ensuring that every Tom, Dick and Harry does not make the road a racing track, saving precious lives. The government, thus, is a great life-saver, if not a perfect one.
Keeping the road bad also keep the pristine natural beauty of the remote areas intact by restricting unwanted influx of outsiders barring some bold souls. Consequently, it also creates the thriving ‘proxy industry’ in the state creating additional avenues for many people.
Clearly, with the'best intention' the government is not only a staunch environmentalist, but also an affectionate patron of the unemployed. Hidden from the public glare, the government must also be creating a blueprint for “Potholes” tourism, offering its client the ‘ride of their life’.
Therefore, think twice before complaining. The welfare of the people is the top-most priority for the government and by keeping the road in bad condition, it is only guaranteeing the well-being of citizens.
For any comment, drop a line to moajamir@live.com
