Imkong Walling
Not much exposition is required to sum up the condition of roads in Nagaland. “Potholes, fishery ponds, angling spots, streams and dust bowls” lead the glossary of not so flattering words that has come to be associated with roads in the state as far back as anyone can remember.
That has been the storyline for years, but not anymore, if words in any way are a measure of growth.
And with words often come promises which the freshly inducted government of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly has not failed to do. In true populist style, the new set of repackaged government was quick to come out with a slew of promises, among which included a pledge to provide greater emphasis to roads and their maintenance the day it was sworn-in.
Along with the pledge was attached a timeframe “to repair and renovate the roads and filling of potholes in the State capital, the commercial hub, Dimapur and the (other) district headquarters within 60 days.” There was more to it still - putting in place IT-based “master plan” to enable the citizens to “monitor and give feedback on progress of works and quality control” within 100 days.
Refreshing bit of news indeed. The bit of good news though was somewhat dampened by questions, doubts and a dose of scorn to the professed commitment.
The question being, “Will the deadline be met or it has a catch to it?” The scorn is more towards the confidence with which the pledge was announced than outright antagonism to a seemingly welfare oriented public announcement. Juxtapose the scorn with a poor history of handling of development projects, which, to the people, appear grounds to treat it as just another empty promise.
The doubt is perceptible as a clear lack of trust in the type of governance the people have been treated to. Simply put – a result of trust deficit.
Making an announcement is easier said but is trust and commitment even in the picture and more importantly, flowing both ways?
A lack of trust cultivated over years of unmet promises in the form of projects gone haywire or delayed indefinitely might explain the doubt generated.
Trust, it is said, is at the heart of any relationship; which tragically is lacking between the government and the people, who put the government in place.
This brings to an ever pressing need for building trust capital, which is just as important as amassing social and economic capital towards an inclusive development agenda.
It does not take much to make a people happy. Why not start by winning the unwavering trust of the people? What measures could the government take to win confidence?
One could be providing wholehearted focus on the basics – good roads for instance. Road connectivity is as basic to economic development as air is to life, which the government and the people is well aware of.
At the same time giving equal importance to the other basics - electricity, medical, water and education in tandem with stronger checks and balances in matters of finance.
Getting the basics in place and winning over the people may well be a sure-fire formula to addressing as well as restoring the faith of the people.
The writer is a Principal Correspondent at The Morung Express.Comments can be sent to imkongwalls@gmail.com
