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Dr PD Shenoy, Secretary of the Department of North Eastern region announced at the end of a three day visit that he was more or less satisfied with the progress of the works funded by the Center. Dr Shenoy came here to take stock of the progress of different projects under the North Eastern Council and the Non-lapsable Central Pool.
Although he saw little progress in some projects like Dolaithabi and Thoubal multi-purpose projects, the official did not give any report that might embarrass the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi or the top ranking officials. This must be a piece of good news for the Chief Minister, although the views of the people in the State may be different.
Dr Shenoy said the State Government has been given instructions to inform the schemes and projects being taken up in the State to the people through the media. He also underlined the importance of monitoring the development projects by the people. All the political parties had promised transparency and accountability before the Assembly elections. It is time Ibobi started releasing names of ongoing projects and details regarding funds provided by the Center/NEC, the progress of the works completed so far etc. to the local media. The daily papers in Manipur will be happy to publish them for the knowledge of the masses.
It goes without saying that if transparency could be maintained while implementing the projects those executing the works will have little opportunity of swindling the fund. The recent row over restrictions of media persons at the gate of the State Secretariat goes against the promise by Chief Minister Okram lbobi Singh that his Government would maintain transparency.
The Center had given instructions to all the States to make available all the information related to the development works by taking a minimal fee from whoever seeking to know them. This directive is yet to be implemented in Manipur. We wonder why the district authorities are refusing to provide details of the fund sanctioned to each MLA for taking up development works at their respective constituencies. If the authorities are sincere they should not hesitate in informing the public. It needs to be pointed out that the public have a right to know all the details since the money is being released in the interest of public welfare.
There is widespread suspicion in the mind of the general public that a large chunk of the funds meant for their welfare programs are being pocketed by the Ministers and officials. The only way to remove this suspicion from public mind is to maintain transparency by the Government. Unless there are some irregularities no officer should be afraid of informing the public about his works. Ibobi denied the charge leveled by the Opposition that funds are mismanaged.
Releasing some figures will not convince the people, Ibobi can prove what he is saying by giving easy access to all the details of the money sanctioned for the welfare of the general public.
(Courtesy: The Sangai Express) |
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