|
Get down to business
The Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and his colleagues in the Council of Ministers most have heaved a sigh of relief with the release of the Deputy Commissioner of Chandel District Yambem Thamikishore Singh by his abductors. The senior Government official was abducted on March 18 and the NSCN (IM ) had demanded an apology by the Union Government for the killing of 11 of its cadres by the troops of the Indian Reserve Battalion and also return of the weapons seized by the troops from the slain cadres.
The Union Government reportedly told the Ibobi Government to return the weapons to the NSCN (IM), but it is not clear whether the weapons have been handed over to the Naga militant group as demanded. Nevertheless the release of the official is cause for celebration for Ibobi Singh Government. It did not know how to react to the crisis and it had adopted only a wait and watch policy. But the worry of the Chief Minister is not over.
The portfolios of the Ministers inducted on March 23 are yet to be released even after nine days of the oath taking ceremony. The Ministers without portfolios are now becoming restive. In normal circumstances works of the Ministers are allotted within one or two days of the oath taking ceremony. Is the delay in allocating the portfolios a sign of crisis in the Ibobi Singh Ministry? We hope that is not the case.
Ibobi Singh has made ministers of almost all the members in the Secular Progressive Front. The remaining two will also ultimately be made either Minister or given posts with similar rank. It is needless to suggest that the portfolios should be distributed to the Ministers and the Government should get down to serious business.
The law and order situation remains bad. There is a gradual decline in the quality of policing. As a matter of fact people have lost faith in our police force. Apart from these the people are not getting the basic necessities like drinking water. Electricity and basic health care facilities are not available in remote areas. Lack or absence of district administration in the districts particularly in the hills has contributed to the social tension. The administration needs to be toned up and it should be ensured that the Government employees perform their duties.
Steps should also be taken to ensure that officials are present at the place of their posting. There are reports that some of the Ministers are now demanding a huge amount of money from senior officials of their respective Departments. If the report is true nothing can be more unfortunate for the people of Manipur.
Ibobi should make an inquiry into the allegation and drop the Minister(s) who are "extorting" money from Government officials. People voted for a change and hence Ibobi should live upto the expectations of the people. Right now the State is facing a serious financial crisis and all development works have come to a grinding halt. These problems cannot be solved overnight. But only a Government headed by a dynamic leader, who is committed to public service can tackle the problems.
(Courtesy: The Sangai Express)
|
Welcome! 
International
Features
