EMANATE GOOD GOVERNANCE

APRIL2013

EMANATE GOOD GOVERNANCE

with Electricity, Water and Road Connectivity A Poem to the Toshi

Dear Legislatures, I do not think a vitriolic crescendo or a polemic eulogy or for that matter, a basic appraisal, addressed to your newly formed Legislative Assembly of the Nagaland Government for a just and democratic governance will hit on the right note just yet. Notes of accountability and democratic governance serenaded through media, introduction of new policies, and appointment of evaluating teams or even the appearance of some supposedly messianiclike quality leader to build the House in the right track will be too much to be asked for at the moment.

Not that I am given to complacency, after all, I continue to envision for a more equitable and a fair society. Nor am I too much of a sentimentalist to be call a chronic cynic, I still relish and yearn for some certain doses of idealism and trance like vision. Ah yes, I do see the sheer irony of dreaming, entrapment, resentment and vibes of sarcasm but these days, I get a rare high in realizing that with the tempest of age kicking in me, certain inhibition for awkwardness and desire for approval that comes after astute reasoning wanes off.

Anyway, the fact of the matter is, I would let a certain school of trained, painstakingly handpicked personnel to educate and scribe out to your esteemed Legislative Member of 2013 on governance and other such beautiful concepts and rhetoric. The lacunae of Naga reality, concept, attitude and mocking indifference of the society and the people is too much to reconciled and configure in my mind, let alone direct the Government.

Instead I would restore to emphatically beseech the Government to look with immediate urgency into three very basic infrastructures and need with consummate self-interest knowing there are dividends to be made, albeit not in the form of benefit many of you might be accustomed to. But dividends, believe me, there is. They are: 1. Electricity: This is not the space to zoom into the nuances of the sources, availability and demand of power in the State. But many, almost chuckled when members from your halo Assembly in past years, in utter ignorance or in guise of satire or in total confidence shrilled out that they want to make Nagaland an IT hub. Yes, an IT hub, here in our very beloved Nagaland. An ambitious dream,

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an audacious plan. But for now, if you may, we would like to humbly suggest your current Assembly, rather, to just consider on providing some decent hour of electricity. Of course, not 24x7 electricity, that is not even close to our dream, let alone an IT hub; but say a concession of electricity of 14x7 would suffice.

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Water Facility: It is mandatory that water for basic hygiene and cleanliness is supplied. It is a crime that in these day and age, public on meager budget has to worry and be forced to splurged money on water for basic everyday use. Little children, mostly girls made to queue to fetch a pitcher of water as early as four in the dawn is a normal sight in many towns and villages in Nagaland including in Kohima. This is grotesque. This cannot be tolerated.

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Road Connectivity: And like the other two points, here, we are really not looking for six/four lane, three lane or even two lane supernational highways. We understand this will be too much of a task at hand to exert on your Government’s limited resources both material and mental imagination. We, your people simply would be satisfied with descent motorable road connected between all the Eleven District Headquarters and to our Capital. This is not a scandalous provision, as you can only understand the need to pay our homage at your respective office in Kohima. Otherwise it will be too much of a gap after the election campaign to not be meeting with your constituent members

And nay, I will not lose too much sleep if the promises made during election or in previous tenure for a political settlement is not up-coming on a platter before the summer, let alone Christmas, since Easter is already gone. We would not mind much if the Road Map to Peace and Prosperity could not be materialized nor procured just yet, if electricity, water and road connectivity are initiated, to begin with.

On a different note, the grapevines are doing its round about the practice of Assembly members keeping mistresses and in some case, concubines. Nagas have accepted this part of our bureaucratic and your Legislature members’ bohemian lifestyle; though in some cases, some of you have become the butt of some notorious jokes spread also via mobile sms. Nagas need to see this trend beyond the spectrum of jokes. It is an issue of moral and ethical question. It calls into account the integrity of the leader. Maybe an

agenda during zero hour should be brought about by the Speaker of the House and reprimand the habitual offenders, and nick off any such thoughts from those newly members who may harbor the tendency. Don’t the mafias in their initiation ceremony of new members strongly warn the recruits to keep a strongly family front? After all it is key to any successive implementation of their mission. The lesson is incisive even for our Legislatures. Not that our recent democratically elected Government is liken with mafia-like operations but sometimes the irony is not lost even to a simple observer. I need not go more on this.

But we are also so encouraged that almost all the Legislatures are pledging for the welfare and common interest of the people.

Isn’t it heartening that one of your Legislative member somewhere in Mokokchung just on April 11th thundered, “We don’t discriminate on party lines but discriminate between the truth and lies”. True, it came from an unlikely Legislative member, no doubt. We did not see such prophetic message coming. But like many, I was moved to the core. Such are the changes blowing in Nagaland. And who are we to judge and stop such vortex of positive forces?

Yet, coming to the crux of this letter, I must admit for an individual with nationalist leaning, to write on Statehood and its benefit is rather odd, but I repeat, sometimes age has a certain way of dealing with queer qualms in life. I hope in politics too, as you all age and mature these qualms on electricity, water and road connectivity are dealt with sensibly. Give us public, a benefit of our doubt and surprise us with these three basic infrastructures with your munificence and intellectual. We are due one in a long time.

And if the 12th Legislative Assembly, Government of Nagaland does not delivered to the public with these surprises, how will we, the public take, response and react?

My dear Naga comrades, if so be the case, I vociferously beseech: My friends, where are our outrage?

PS For those new to Nagaland, given the state of the State, you might be excuse to think that Nagaland is at a nascent stage of Statehood.

Nagaland will celebrate her glorious history, marking her Golden Jubilee of Statehood in December this year.

SIXTY Lea

They say We should never judge a man Till we’ve been in their shoes.

To our sixty (or so) servants in Kohima Who are grieving afresh For our lack of this and shortages of that Who are humbly begging Our understanding and pity For your helplessness and suffering Being cumbered with this and that We commiserate deeply But we would like to wear your shoes.

Your soft shiny shoes...

And ride in your cool dark cars And have the traffic part like the red sea.

And drink icy stuff in your modest mansions Where the light never sets.

And send our children to schools Where they never auction the mid-day meal.

And never worry about Where our next crore is coming from And never sit for hours and days At the doors of your offices Awaiting our Servants’ pleasure For two minutes of your precious time.

So here is a suggestion From your weary masters of the land That before you begin Another glorious five years of Servanthood Put yourself in our shoes Take an auto-ride in our pot-holes Play hide and seek with the light Send your children to ghost schools To learn under bogus teachers.

Get your salary mid-month with chunks missing To feed another whose appetite matches yours.

And then let us meet again To discuss Servanthood and Hyprocrisy

ILLUSTRATION by ATONG ROTHRONG Opinion is a theme-based supplement published on the third Saturday of every month. Here you are the artist, the writer, the photographer, the storyteller and the creator of your own opinion. The articles do not reflect the position of the newspaper.

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Suggestions for good governance to the present government of Nagaland Mughapu Swu Governance implies control, direction and rule with authority or administers laws to govern a system to achieve certain objectives. Good governance implies running administration according to the defined laws to achieve the objective of promoting the welfare of the people in a democratic oriented order.

The DAN coalition led state government has yet again triumph in securing the authority for governing in Nagaland. A laudable political feat, given the fact that this is the third time that they have managed to secure power in a perpetual manner. The government though veteran in nature has a rich pool of young enthusiastic politicians, whose intellectual skills, zeal, energy and knowledge can be harnessed for the welfare of the state. To ensure that good governance is being practiced in Nagaland. The state government

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must take serious note on the following aspects/affairs: - Ensure that economic disparity between the various sections of the society is minimal.

- Ensure transparency and accountability in its working/functioning.

- Provide good educational infrastructure in the state.

- Good road connectivity and regular electricity Ensure that economic disparity between the various sections of the society minimal:- In the context of Nagaland where a good number of people live in the rural areas, the government can ensure economic stability to the people by effectively implementing the various central schemes in a transparent and accountable manner. According to a report based on a Central government survey, an alarming number of people i,e around 4 lakh is living under Below Poverty Line (BPL) in both urban and rural areas. The gov-

You Shall Not Steal Rev. Kelhizulo Lasuh This is the eighth of the Ten Commandments. Majority of Nagas are Christians. We take Bible as the word of God. The New Testament is mainly for Christians. But the Old Testament is also our scripture. We ought to obey it. Specially the Ten Commandment is regarded as the principle of life on earth. Out of ten commandants only four speaks about our relationship with God. The rest six commandments are for our relationship with fellow human beings. Human beings have many things to observe in order to live with Humans. Thus the 8th Commandment, “You shall not steal is very important” for Christians. Steal means taking away others things secretly. Unfortunately, stealing has become a habit or a way of life for most Nagas. The habit of stealing begins from top down to bottom. In Naga society the one who is on the top steals the largest amount and the lesser amount follow according to the protocol. For example, in village level the VCC steals larger share and other members lesser share. In state level chief ministers steals the largest amount then ministers, Parliamentary secretaries and MLAs. In administrative offices also the same protocol follows. That is why the public continue to suffer under them for many years. Whereas they amassed, lands, building and property. As a result there are no medicines in government hospitals, dispensaries, health centers. The share of the old age, the orphans, the widows are taken away. BPL rice and other items for the people of below poverty levels never reach them.

Mid-day meals for students are not served. Angawadi provisions are not given to the poor children. This happens, because they are stolen away by the powerful and the rich.

Majority of Nagas are Christians should we not live as Christians. What you need is provided by the government. But the power of greed in you urges you to steal above the provisions available for you.

If the powerful and rich do not listen to God one day they will suffer the consequences. So, repent and believe in Lord Jesus Christ then you shall be saved.

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Take a look at people’s needs Easterine Take a look at people’s needs and people’s wants in Nagaland. What strikes one about Naga people’s wants are that they are more or less the same as what they need.

We want pipe water, good roads, good electricity and a police force that is public friendly, inspiring trust and rendering protection to the law abiding citizens. All these are very simple wants and they are identical with the needs of the people. They are all things that the government can provide without relying on external help or foreign aid. If the government can prioritise these items, they will have achieved good governance in the effort.

The last point is about the working Saturdays. These are profitless days when workers come to office unwillingly. It defeats its own purpose. Doing away with working Saturdays and providing long weekends for workers to rest will result in a better work ethic than forcing working Saturdays on a dispirited workforce.

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ernment should take a serious look into this matter and come up with an effective solution to tackle this problem and thereby ensure minimal economic disparity between the various sections of the society.

Ensure transparency and accountability in its working/functioning:Presently, Nagaland is riddled with corruption which is having a bad influence on the welfare of the people and the state. In the absence of transparency and accountability, the government is likely to succumb to corruption, and which in turn will have a cascading effect on the entire affairs of the state such as employment and economy. To ensure transparency and accountability, the actions and decisions of those in government should be open for public scrutiny and also public should have access rights to such information.

Also the government should strictly check malpractices such as bribery, nepotism, back door and political appointments in various state departments and corruption and pun-

ish those who are found guilty.

Provide good educational infrastructure in the state:- The driving force behind any thriving and developing society/state is education. Education plays a pivotal role in the progress of a society. The existing educational infrastructure in the state is not at par with the other states in the country. As a result many students are prompted to pursue their studies in other states by incurring a huge amount of expenditure. The government should realize the importance of education as a tool of impetus for progress and development and thereby do the needful by providing good higher educational infrastructures in the state both in the domains of technical and non-technical studies.

Good road connectivity and regular electricity:- Good road connectivity is the key to a prosperous nation/state as it provides a network of interconnectivity that interlinks the various parts of a state, thereby

opening up ample opportunities for development and trading of goods.

The present road condition in Nagaland is in a pathetic state. Potholes and puddles are what defines the road condition in Nagaland despite the Central Government giving out huge amount of funds to build good roads. It is also sad to see that there are still some villages/places in Nagaland which are inaccessible by a vehicle due to the poor condition of the road. The government should look into this matter seriously and do the needful work.

On the issue of electricity, Nagaland presently is reeling under power crisis which is almost having a paralytic effect on the day to day life of the people. The government should take a serious note on this problem as soon as possible for the welfare of its citizens.

Besides this highlighted suggestions, the government should try to live up to the hopes and anticipations of the people, who have placed their trust in them, by being visionary and honest leaders.

Suggestions For Governance Sedevi Angami Nagaland today is a state with one of the greatest potentials. We have fantastic resources.

1. A warm, hospitable and enthusiastic people.

2. Extremely fertile land with some of the most exquisite fruits and vegetables in an organic environment.

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Beautiful terrain and ecology.

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A church that has the potential of mass mobilization of people for good.

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A close knit community, tribes and villages that can rise in one accord to do huge projects and initiatives.

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A central government of one of the world’s greatest and fast moving economies which has been pouring large amounts of finance into the state.

The only reason why we do not grow and remain behind all other states in the country is because of our own evil and corruption. We the people are responsible for our own situation and predicament.

Suggestions to people in power for good Governance 1.

Go to the people and understand the ground situation: • The collective wisdom of people far exceeds any one person’s experiences.

• Before you start exhorting and directing people, first listen to them. You will make less mistakes in implementation of programmes or projects.

• Be a facilitator and not a ruler. You are elected and appointed to serve – not lord it over people.

2.

Plan with the people based on their felt and real needs: • People take ownership for programmes only when they are included in the planning.

• There is no alternative to good objective research of real needs. What works or what does not must be based upon objective evidence and not assumptions.

3.

Get good advisors who have integrity and a genuine interest in people: • Resources in terms of good advisors are available in plenty. You cannot be an expert in everything. Identify the need and find out who are the best people in that field and listen to them.

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Identify key industrious good people – work and invest in them. Support them aggressively: • Good and motivated people if adequately supported will generate more income, work, employment and productivity for the state than using the same old staff for new programmes.

• Make a talents and abilities inventory of all the people working under you. There is a huge amount of wasted potential in people. Your job should be to get the maximum out of the current staff by exploring and empowering people.

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Lead by example: • Set very high standards for yourself before demanding them from others.

• Leaders must work harder and longer than their subordinates. They will have to make bigger sacrifices.

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Live like the people: • Set a limit to your spending for yourself and discipline yourself in your money, food and expenditure.

• Remove the red light beacons from your cars and experience the traffic jams like all other normal people. Go to Haji park, New market and bargain for vegetables and stuff. You will learn more from there than from a trip abroad.

If Mamta Banerjee and Manik Sarkar can do it, there is hope for you to return to a simple lifestyle.

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Share information: • Information is money and power.

• If information is shared, nobody has the monopoly over business and makes a level playing field.

• Study to find out how you can share as much useful information as fast as possible.

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Develop accountability measures and methods of transparency that cannot be undone: • Accountability and transparency is hard work.

They do not happen just like that by wishing for it.

• Develop a team to study the anatomy and structure of corruption from beginning to end and then develop a roadmap to plug in all the possible loopholes and gaps identified.

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Implement the law strictly regardless of position or proximity: • Live by the law and then you will be able to enforce it fearlessly.

• Be ruthless with yourself and you will gain boldness to implement the law.

• Where there is justice there is much less crime and conflict.

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Finally study the Bible with a purpose: there are enough examples and teachings in the scripture related to ethics, governance, management, administration and leadership than you can glean from any other source.

Alternatives to good governance: 1.

Increase your wealth disproportionately.

• This will cause jealousy amongst others.

• It creates a cycle of competition to acquire that has no end. This is a great evil.

• It creates a divide between the rich and poor that increases crime.

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Frustration amongst those who do not make it or do not agree with the status quo.

• This will lead into a French revolution like situation where everybody will suffer – both guilty and innocent people.

3.

Continue to be the most backward state in India.

voices on

JUST & DEMOCRATIC

GOVERNANCE Nagaland – being a state of democratic environment, with the rights of Economic, Social and Cultural (ESC) activism. In my view the present scenario outlook have poor electricity, water scarcity, and poor road conditions. Insufficient of transport facility to villages or distance / rural places not to minimize but to maximize the facility in plying of buses, taxis as transport is a mast also beautification of its state. Infrastructure facility should be further utilized. Development of tourism apart from Hornbill festival we hardly come across the cross – cultural programme. I would like to suggest that organizing better training grounds, networks on economic literacy, budget analysis with special focus on getting women platform and civil society, organizations to understand better state establishment.

Further, Rendering to build citizen capacity even popularizing the use of human rights basing on the situation arose. Within the jurisdiction of Nagas it should also be centered approach to governance, mobilizing and strengthening social movements.

For young / employment generation it should also be channelized into dancing, music, sports mobilizing not only in government service or PMGP Loans but government should well – support with modern techniques and other financial supports. As huge gap of economic condition and well being standard are seen among the midst, for certain percentage of Nagas is rich.

I do suggest for the better run of its governance – the outlook for poor then marginalized to claim the rights.

Government should engage regionally on issues such as reforms of regional institutions, trading, debts and transitional justice too.

Thus, engaging the process in promoting just and good democratic governance will enhance a peaceful scenario towards its establishment.

A democratic government is one that is formed on the basis of the phrase ‘power of the people’. To call Nagaland Government – just and democratic, people’s interests must be served at any cost. Nagaland comprises of 70% rural population. These people must be empowered for justice to prevail.

Remembering the people only during election will prove to be disastrous one day. The present government must learn from the position of the state’s congress I and move fast and earnestly so that the power that has been entrusted to them by the bulk of the people is delivered promptly and efficiently.

There are many capable leaders (politician) in the present ministry and if they play their card well, many of them have the chance of holding the top-position one day. The only thing required is self-discipline on the part of these leaders.

A government that cannot even provide the basic necessities to its people can never qualify to be called a just and democratic government and today in the 21st century.

Food, clothing, shelter, good road and infrastructure, power, health and education comprises the basic necessities. These are human rights and the young promising leaders who have a long way to go in politics in terms of age, health and potentialities are reminded that, in the future of the common people, their future is embedded “Long live, Nagaland”

ABERO ADAHE

SANGAMLUNG DANGMEI

Governance implies control, direction and rule with authority or administers laws to govern a system to achieve certain objectives. , the government should try to live up to the hopes and anticipations of the people, who have placed their trust in them, by being visionary and honest leaders. It must Ensure that economic disparity between the various sections of the society is minimal .Ensure transparency and accountability in its working/functioning.

Provide good educational infrastructure in the state. Good road connectivity and regular electricity.

MUGHAPU SWU

As a government of the people, the government of Nagaland is now challenged to prove its worth by delivering the promises made in their election manifesto. There should be no delays in releasing any projects. I would definitely like to see setting up of higher educational institutions, especially in the field of medical and technical sciences so that the concerned aspirants won’t have to migrate elsewhere in large numbers.

Furthermore, I expect creation of employment opportunities by bringing in private companies and encouragement to young entrepreneurs by bestowing awards every year. All the officers must be trained to answer RTI applications without any discrimination.

I am not saying it is, but one political party jobs in the government is not a good roster because one party electorates who have not won in elections are rejected their right of jobs, it’d be cutting across all party lines.

Further, try to grasp ideas from where there is more backward and slum regions and evolve with the pace of other developed nations. Yet, need to maintain checks and balances and status quo in the governance of the government. Corruptions like procuring easy money from the public who casually comes to office on personal duty making them wait for 2 to 3 weeks so as to get just one signature. These must be steered clear of. Humility, some degree of self-control be more cultured… and it will prove as a driving force in the governance.

TOKATO K YEPTHO

KIUTSUMONG B. LAMS

MOAKALA T. AIER

Some suggestion for good governance; to create more employment opportunities in every sector, find option for water source in areas where there are water crises, regularity of electricity, black top road on every look and corner with plan drainage system, broader road and more flyover specially town areas.

KIKHEVI CATY

No government can provide good governance to the people in the absence of electricity, quality education, drinking water, road connectivity and health care.

There cannot be just and democratic governance without proper representation in the governing machineries. For just and democratic governance, the elected government must keep their wheels rolling towards connecting towns and villages with good roads, providing electricity, drinking water facility, schools, health centers and jobs to all sections of the people in the state.

Peace is sine qua non for better governance.

Gender equality and protecting the rights of minorities are no less important. Besides, corruption is but the worst malady against good governance and it must be uprooted.

The condition of the above factors depicts the type of governance better than that of annual progress report.

We the people must remember that it is not the Govt. alone who fails to give better governance to the people but it is we the people who also fail to elect right candidates.

TSINTSU TIKHIR

No matter how much the Nagas try to alienate ourselves from the rest of India, the truth and the fact is that we abide by the Constitution of India. And in no way, I can see any usages of the Indian Constitution in Nagaland. The bureaucrats and the ministers are not the only people who can bring about a just and a democratic governance in Nagaland. As public, we play an equally important role in the smooth functioning of the government in Nagaland. All my suggestions will go in vain if you do not put into practice. The Nagas are an expert when it comes to speaking great, big things base on changes and even more better when it comes to writing.

But all these are baseless if we do not move an inch forward in doing things practically.

The public must also stop going so easy on the constant corruptions taking place at every blink of an eye. For me, nothing is going just in the democratic parlance of Nagaland. If I have to suggest I would say that we have to start from the ‘ROOT’. I can firmly say that if we continue to go on at the same pace then every single citizen will fall into the menace: The right ones will also end up supporting the wrong ones! We know that we are going in a wrong direction but why are we keeping mum over it?

It not only pains my heart, but I get furious and angry too when I have to suggest for a just and democratic governance for a state like Nagaland where the Fundamental Rights are not exercised: These rights being the BASIC rights laid down by the Constitution of India. I am not calling for a “war” but atleast “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH”. How can we continue with the same process, the same governance? Will we just turn a deaf ear even though the working of the Government are not worth appreciating? I don’t know about you but I, I am not even a ‘dot’ satisfied and I am pretty obvious that my suggestions for a just and a democratic governance will go in vain. So I better not suggest as it will make me more furious at the thought of all the incorrect, wrong, injustice procedures in the government. I notice raised eyebrows of the readers!

JIMMY LOTHA

Yet, if Nagaland needs reform for good Governance through a change of system, governance bodies handling government fund should change selfish mindedness so as to maintain the prestigious chair as honourable for public service.

Inclusivity is the concept that lynchpins every aspects of socio-economic transformation. Just and democratic governance should be based on the virtues of bottom-up approach. Thus, village democracy is the model of governance that makes the principles of democracy percolate to the ‘last-man’.

Hence, inclusivity in governance can only come from making the Village Council in Nagaland politically dynamic and economically self-sustainable. In short, democratic decentralization and its mechanisms should be made effective. Besides these, there should be transparency and accountability in the use of public money as well as in the discharge of public schemes and funds sanctioned by the Central Government.

RINSIT VASHUM

1. Repairing of roads and widening them whenever required can solve most of the traffic problems especially in Dimapur which is known as “The Commercial Hub of Nagaland” 2. Restoration of the power supply must be done at the earliest. The concerned officials must tackle with this problem with interest and without taking the patience of the public as an advantage.

3. Ensure that personnel to be appointed through NPSC are not through political, backdoor or departmental exams but should be based on merits, capability and through complete fair selection.

SHARONSANGLA C. CHANG

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Good Governance is the desire of the people Akhayii Komou Good governance is the desire and concern of every common people. When there is all round development in the state, then everybody is happy and satisfy with life. To maintain good governance, it may require analyzing from all angles of life, ideology, concept of society and the circumstances. Basically, we have to know what the good governance is, and how to maintain good governance.

To maintain good government, both the government and the people may require civilizing and understanding. Both are interdependent and inseparable.

It says that exercising power and decision-making for a group of people is called governance. Accountability is one of the most important roles to maintain good governance. According to United Nations; Good governance is, in short, anti-corruption whereas authority and its institutions are accountable, effective and efficient, participatory, transparent, responsive, consensusoriented, and equitable.

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Corruption and nepotism is directly or indirectly practice in many departments. This affects and demoralizes the efficiency, honesty and accountability of the institutions.

Decision-making people must firmly imposed law and justice against those corrupt people. The effective and efficient officers and employees is the necessity of every department. Both field work and theory must be practicable and exist. Common people must be empowered to participate in meaningful ways in decision-making processes. Transparency of governing will check and aware every common people. It says that in Japan, there is transparency in their government and the people.

Law and justice must be equally implemented and imposed.

The views and opinion of oppressed and weaker section people must be heard and protected. Economic growth, the eradication of poverty and hunger, and sustainable development is the image of good governance. E-governance aware the people to address development issues and challenges because citizens find empowerment through access to information.

If we observe the environment of the society, there are many obstacles and loopholes in functioning of governing and the awareness of the common people. In many cases, paper works seems to be the result of works. But in reality, the field works is as important as the paper works. Paper works cannot be justified until and unless the field works is done. At the same time, both the paper works and field works of the government must be transparent and coherent so that every citizen will be aware and correct the system of government.

Hypocrites and egoism is also one of the main obstacles in functioning of society and the government. Many of them are smart and clever in trumpeting one’s image.

Practically, many seem to be unaccountable in their work. Working in terms of position and superior instead of accountable and effective is commonly habituated in life.

Making a project and signatory of the paper works without completing the field work seems to be the reality of happening in many cases.

This is the reality of circumstances in government, NGO, public sector

undertaking, etc. Blaming and poking at others without understanding and accepting one’s own responsibility is a symbol of one’s weakness.

Work more, talk less is the advice of the father of nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is commonly observed that people who talk much are often do less work. There is a proverb that ‘an empty vessel makes much noise’.

There are many challenges ahead of those people who were elected in state government and the government officials, besides the public leaders and the common people. To maintain good governance, both the government and the common people must be accountable, aware, responsive and concern about the all round development of the surrounding. When every department of government, NGO, Public society, student body, etc follow the honesty, discipline, hard work, sincerity, justice and legal, then there is an image of good governance. This will bring prosperity and development in every infrastructure.

Sometime, parallel form of government brings obstacles to all round development. Probably, a political solution may bring a way to estab-

lish good governance. The awareness, change of ideological concept amongst the common people may also bring a better form of society.

The elected members of state assembly are accountable to create awareness, and effective form of government. They should be active, responsive, strict, obey the rule of law and justice, and transparent to the people. Effective and efficient implementation of project in every government department must be transparent, imposed and follow. Service rule and work culture must be effectively and transparently implemented so that a good service will be reflected within the department, and amongst the people.

The authority and every institution of government should be accountable, effective and efficient, participatory, transparent, responsive, consensus-oriented, and equitable. This would reflect a good image and reputation of Politicians, government officials and employees so that every citizen will satisfy with the way of life. This will bring prosperity, peace, love, justice and satisfaction to every human being.

A DECALOGUE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE DAVID

ILLUSTRATION by SÜNGKÜM

Listen O ye rulers, thus spake the Voice: 1. Thou shalt keep thy God ever in thy mind, When thou rulest , be to all just and kind.

In thy governance, above all, Him you obey, False gods of power and wealth, lay them astray 2. Thou shalt not make farce of the oath that is taken, Remember to fulfill promises no matter what happens , Follow the example of Jesus, the divine teacher, Who humbled Himself to be a servant and not a Master.

3. Thou shalt not oppress or suppress the opposition, “Vox populi, Vox Dei”, be the ‘mantra’ of thy action.

Development is thy aim, focus hence on commitment, Be it roads, electricity, or public all establishments.

4. Thou shalt honour the elders, the senior citizens, All public places must acknowledge their presence, Thou shalt see to their comfort and just livelihood, They shall bless thee with their utmost gratitude.

5. Thou shalt not destroy or cause to destroy the opponent, Destroy instead the lust for power, wealth and sitting complacent.

Thou shalt beware of the flattery of the bootlickers, Instead base thy judgment on eyewitness and true

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reporters.

6. Misuse or abuse of public fund tantamounts to stealth, Public eye is more sharp and keen than thou considereth, Remember thou art accountable to Him who judgeth, Both action and intention much before thou taketh.

7. Thou shalt not covet the neighbor state’s property, Their, riches, mores nor multi-coloured festivity; Thou shalt secure thine own indogeneity, Preserve the ‘modus operandi’ et natural biodiversity.

8. Thou shalt rule with intelligence and prudence, Virtues and justice are its true quintessence.

Beware of ruling with nefarious greed in thy heart, The ‘roaring lion’ or the ‘hungry bear’ prowl about to thwart.

9. Thou shalt choose ministers who share thy vision, It’s the only way to accomplish thy mission.

That hand is to be preferred that reaches out, To the hand that first searches the mouth.

10. Thou shalt keep the Lord’s Sabbath most Holy, That is the day, thy God rested from work duly.

Thus a well-earned week, toiled and labored, Dost deserve a break, let Nagaland too feel blessed.

Issue Theme for May:

STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN Deadline for Submission: May 12, 2013 Date of Publication: May 18, 2013 The Morung Express monthly supplement ‘Opinion’ will be published on the third Saturday of every month. In the Opinion, you are the storyteller. Please share your story by responding to the theme of the next issue: “Stop Violence Against Women” Contributions can be in the form of photography, illustrations, photos of artwork, essays, first-person accounts, poetry, reported articles, and any other form of expression that can be printed.

A pROdUCTION OF

write to us at opinion2mex@gmail.com

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