| Front Agenda
The 17-point common minimum program announced by the Secular Progressive Front (SPF) has not included anything that is new. Most of the issues raised by the Front program are more or less listed in the manifestos of the political parties. Moreover the 10-point development programs in addition to the common minimum programs are also the same all story.
The first top agenda of the front are safeguarding the territorial integrity of Manipur making an "all out effort" to maintain peace and harmony among different communities of Manipur and maintaining law and order. The fourth says that a serious effort would be made to bring about a negotiated political settlement with the insurgent outfits operating in Manipur.
The other agendas include a clean and transparent administration, speedy disposal of all corrupt cases, efficient management of finance, streamlining the public distribution system, bringing quality education and safeguarding interest of the minorities. The 17-point program does mention about checking the spread of HIV/AIDS but talk little about the basic health care facilities.
One of the major problems in the far off and interior areas of the State is basic health care. This is as good as non-existent in these areas. Many people are dying due to diseases that could be cured by timely prescription of simple and cheap life saving drugs. Our hospitals and health centers do not store life saving drugs, although a huge sum of money is being spent every year. All the drugs are either purchased only on paper or sold off.
The two biggest hospitals in the State are asking the patients to procure even simple items like bandage themselves. Since the Front is promising an "effective Government" it is hoped that all these things will be taken care of.
What needs to be pointed out is the fact that until and unless the Government has the will, commitment and determination nothing of these promises could be fulfilled. Efficient management of finance calls for slashing wasteful expenditure drastically and enhancing the income from all possible sources, besides checking money laundering.
Moreover, to streamline the public distribution system and make the essential items available to each and every nook and corner of the State has called for a supplies department that is free from corruption, political influence and unscrupulous elements.
Given the notoriety of the State Food and Civil Supplies Department, streamlining the public distribution system would turn out to discourage the next Ministry, but to point out that tough task lies ahead.
Another important issue is pulling up corrupt elements. As long as the nexus between the political masters and bureaucracy is not snapped nothing could be achieved. The bureaucracy has been politicized so much that one can hardly differentiate between a Minister and a big shot in the officialdom. The new Ministry, we hope, will have the courage to take the bull by the horn.
(Courtesy: The Sangai Express)
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