By Dominic Stadlin Wankhar
21st century, Meghalaya finds itself at the crossroads in the process of globalization, susceptible to changes and demands to keep pace with the entire region and nation. Coming to achievements and goals, however, much has been left undone and unresolved. The attainment of statehood has not helped in resolving major faults thereby hindering the pace of social stability, peace and development of Meghalaya. Inter-state and international border matters are unresolved agenda. Land reforms that could usher in a degree of economic development are still complicated to settle; we also have a host of other issues like unemployment, inflation, food and water insecurity, rights of women and the disabled, environmental dangers, a flawed industrial policy that gives license to companies to destroy our forests etc.
Every individual who had been born and lived in this state ponders this question, ‘Why are we lagging behind in every sphere?’ Should we blame this on the attitude of politicians, bureaucrats, social pressure groups or our peculiar system of having too many administrative authorities or even the mindset of common individuals? Probably, it would or could include all the above rather than just some actors in the system since we all live under the same system of interdependence For the moment let us stop and question ourselves. How much have we achieved in the past 49 years? This can be gauged from the way numerous central and state schemes have been utilized or have been actually allowed to go waste due to such prevailing selfish attitudes. The reality here is that in every planning and implementation, there exists a particular group that hints at benefitting for itself rather than for the entire state; one that looks at the entire concept through a narrow view instead of a holistic one. We must realize that we do not have community responsibility and ownership towards any positive initiative that aims at uplifting those below.
Take the case of how the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme has progressed benefitting our rural folks but not before much of the funds are siphoned off either at the village level or at the official level. The progress of the various road infrastructural projects or even the railhead for goods and essential commodities reveal that we are way behind. And if we were to take a microscopic look at the status between targets achieved and targets pending in various government departments, the story of 49 years will tell us a tale of their own. The saddest part here though is that everything is done with a ‘good’ motive, but then the ‘goodness’ gets entangled in scams and scandals leaving everyone high and dry.
I was not surprised to read in an online magazine that the health situation here is ‘very poor’ in terms of infrastructure and delivery mechanism of the health department. But will those in power listen to us? If yes, then a few noble ones would be prepared to find solutions and maybe address them at the nick of time. The unfortunate part in the entire history of Meghalaya is that corruption is committed with impunity; and all this after being called a “Christian” state where deeds and words don’t match. Examples where public money is spent without accountability speaks volumes of the mismanagement, instability and failing governance. Incidentally organizations that proclaim to uphold social values and protect the ‘Jaidbynriew’ from transgression and oppression, rarely come out openly against such exploitive attitude by a ‘para Khasi’ upon another ‘para Khasi.’ Sadly, this term has been overused for various political and communal propaganda and continues to be used till today. During election time we tend to forgive and forget the past vote back the same people who failed us in the past five years. The reason is that ‘personal’ relationships are more important especially in times of death or illness. Such is the “bond” of politics in Meghalaya.
Coming to our politicians we often hear them going abroad to ‘promote’ and ‘learn’ innovative ways of governance and development. They should in fact learn from non-Congress ruled states where the real beneficiaries are the people. Experts from the Centre and elsewhere who come to our state are not impressed since they know everything first hand.
In reality 49 years of statehood has been marked not by progress or development but by political instability and incompetence. This is reflected in the way the Assembly sessions are conducted to failed and unresolved issues. MLAs are elected by the people to legislate and govern not to hand out ‘doles.’ Donating blankets, shawls, umbrellas, cooking wares, tubs to even opening a cow shed et al portrays a comical picture to the outside world. In fact, such ‘generosity’ is the work of charitable organizations. If politicians were to indulge in such professions then they should be running charity homes instead of joining politics. The notoriety of this is that they would add such acts as a ‘developmental’ achievement of their constituency in the government’s report. Can we take this as a development package? How sad that we have to swallow everything forced down our throats even when we know its taste. The need of the hour is for the state government to rev up its entire platform of experts and planners and start revitalizing the rural sector which is abundant in resources but untapped due to factors best known to the respective departments.
The State Planning Board (SPB) should have experts and economists rather than accommodating every ex-MLA. The SPB is a classic example of another hibernation hub. Do we really need a Planning Board which is toothless in ensuring that the government implements its recommendations. Politically, I would agree with what a senior Congress leader, Luizenho Faleiro had stated – that our state politicians should start thinking of developing and changing the face of the state, instead of thinking for their chair, and who should or should not lead the government. Very rightly said! Every right-thinking person would agree with this view of a senior politician who knows that under-development lies not in lack of central funds but in instability, unaccountability and restless politics amongst various political members.
As long as our society has narrow inhibitions and self-centeredness the future will continue to inherit the past while others have progressed. The scale of progress was somewhat visible under the political leadership of Dr. Mukul Sangma with the Congress Party in full authority despite the ups and downs in governance. Dr Sangma stands out from all the other CM’s because he is in a hurry to deliver, unlike his predecessors. The speedy delivery mechanism envisaged by the Congress government has seen some positive results like the Shillong Bye-pass, four lane outlay of the national highway, conceiving of a medical college, expansion and upgradation of the Umroi airport and development and research in horticulture. Today, we stand at the crossroads whether to accept systemic changes coming into our ‘tribal’ social fabric or to wait and watch till a certain period for things to happen while other communities have overtaken us and are on their way to economic prosperity and development. It is for us to decide where we want see our state a decade from now.
(The writer was a recipient of the Avenues Youth Icon Award 2012 and is also a Resource Expert with an organization based in Meghalaya Email : [email protected])