Just where is Manipur heading towards? We ask this question not with any expectation to find some tangible answers but out of sheer frustration. Everything appears to be so bleak and matters are not helped much by the presence of myriad organizations each pursuing their own agenda at the expense of the State and the people. Let's for once stop pointing an accusing finger at New Delhi and look inward and study why the State has sunk to such an abysmal depth. From the financial crisis to the highway impasse to the utter lack of work culture amongst the Government employees, everything suggest that there is something rotten to the core and the time calls not for some buck passing exercise but serious self introspection.
On the social front too the misunderstanding and deep rooted suspicion amongst the different communities continue to run deep and the cloud of doubt that the territorial integrity of Manipur may be compromised refuses to blow away. Everyone seems to know that the Government is caught in a financial glut and is not even able to meet the salary and pension demands of the employees and pensioners. Yet this has not stopped certain section of the people, particularly the Government employees, from applying pressure on the Government to give in to their demands which include perks and allowances.
The Joint Administrative Council of AMTUC and AMGEO have already decided to launch a cease work strike from October 4 in pursuit of their demand and while we acknowledge their grievances, we certainly have reservations about their proposed cease work strike. So many working hours are lost annually due to such strike and the losers will only be the State and the people. The 6th Schedule Demand Committee has also decided to go ahead with its proposed blockade from October 4 in pursuit of their demands. Each of these cases have their own merits but the question before us what will such steps lead to?
We agree that over the years successive Governments have developed the culture of refusing to even look into the genuine grievances of the people unless some drastic action is initiated but does this justify the employees to launch a cease work strike or should any organization be given the liberty to impose a blockade just because their demands have not been met? These are the questions that should be addressed now. We may also ask whether the Government employees really deserve the perks and allowances taking the prevailing work culture in the State into consideration. It will take only a blind man or a really obstinate person not to see that a good number of our Government employees are nothing except excess adipose.
Yes, the employees are entitled to their share of the perks and privileges but the point to be realized is that there is just no way for the Government to give in to their demands. Let's all remember that we are neck deep in debts and it makes no sense for the employees to demand their additional bonuses and allowances. The 6th Schedule Demand Committee too should give a rethink on their decision to go ahead with the blockade. Demand for development of the hills should not come at the expense of the people. The trouble with us is, we all seem to realize our rights but conveniently prefer to forget our responsibilities and as long as this mentality continues we can rest assure that Manipur will not be able to join the comity of developed peoples.
(Courtesy: The Sangai Express)
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