Blame it on ourselves (December 17)

Everybody including those in the helm of State affairs will agree that the border State of Manipur is one of the most backward States in the country. With a population of some 23 lakh, of which more than 90,000 are in the Government employment the State is economically very weak. Hardly any industry exists; even attempts to set up industrial units have not been successful due to reasons known to all. 

The number of unemployed youths is increasing by leaps and bounds every year.With nowhere to go for getting employment unrest among the youths is growing. Moreover, the education system is in a shambles, roads and communication system is still in primitive stage, basic needs like health care facilities, safe drinking water and electric supply are yet to reach all the people. 

The State is yet to connect the entire district headquarters by road. The condition in the interior and far off places is more pathetic. There are no schools, no health centers, no motorable roads and no markets where local agricultural products could be sold. It may not be wrong to say that most of the people in the interior parts in the hill areas are still living in sub-human conditions although half a century has passed since Manipur was brought under Indian Union. 

While children of other States are playing with computers a majority of our children are not getting ABC books. Still worse there is no future for those who are fortunate enough to attend schools and get universities degrees. Where will they go after getting the degrees and certificates? As a matter of fact a huge question mark hangs over the face of our growing children. It may not be an exaggeration to say that the States' progress, if there is any, is slower than a snail's pace.

Who are responsible for all the misery and the underdevelopment? We are very quick in putting the blame on other's shoulders. Our favorite whipping boy is the State Government and Ministers. The center is also equally guilty, if not more, according to the majority opinion. Even a child will say that all Ministers are corrupt. The Ministers in collusion with bureaucrats are squeezing the State dry, will be the answer if asked one's views. But will passing the buck for our miseries and shortcomings solve the problem? Is it not the high time we asked ourselves: 

Are we not too responsible for the present sorry state of affairs in Manipur. Are not we too willing to pay a hefty sum to Minister and Officers to get a Government job for our children if given the chance. Hold any Government DPC, people who are ready to pay lakhs for an even a clerical post will turn up in large numbers. Is it fair to blame the Government while we are ever ready to bribe men in Government? Are we not partly responsible for the deteriorating health of the State?

We should not forget that Ministers are elected by none other than us. All the officers are our own people and not some alien creatures. Masses should come forward to play their own role in building the State and our own future. We should not forget that being the masters we too have our responsibilities as well.

(Courtesy: The Sangai Express)

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