OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE AND....?

OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE AND………?


India is the largest democracy in the world. Democracy is of the people, by the people and for the people. There are three organic ingredients of this definition; Of, By & For. Out of the three, the last one needs to be evaluated by the readers.

Legislators are elected on a popular vote (supposed to be) by the public. What do these legislators do for democratic governance or good governance (G.G.)? Legislative, Executive and Judiciary are three pillars of social system and each has an independent responsibility with close interdependence. First, frames and approves laws. Second, ensures implementation. Third, reviews laws in case public interest is at stake. Some time it may cross over to activism to safe guard public interest against public issues being included in ninth schedule of constitution for vote bank politics. Edmund Burke had proclaimed the press, “The Fourth State”. We may call it fourth inescapable and constructive pillar of governance.

During elections all the populist promises are made, minimum programmes are propagated with time lines. Additionally some of the hither to promised projects are undertaken either for completion or time gain or engaging the public in pro party thinking. Advantages are taken of the ignorance, poverty and short lived memory of the masses. For; element of democracy is generally forgotten for self gains and self interests to be rejuvenated again before the next round of elections or in times of crisis. Various alliances and coalitions are arrived at to attain power by hook or crook. Still, fault lines are noticed in parties that come to power both as single party and as coalition. Here discussion is being limited to democratic governance in the NE region of our country.

Secular Peoples Front (SPF) in Manipur came to power as a majority party, in beginning of 2007, by popular mandate. Thereafter barely six months have elapsed and the Government has run into a crisis of distrust in the leader. Members of the same party have labeled the CM for corruption, disorder in society, amassing wealth etc. Most of detractors are known to have visible linkages with UG outfits that are responsible for the present turmoil in the state. Can we expect G.G. from the leader and indicted party members? Even the present Deputy Speaker of Manipur assembly has been indicted, with proof, for alliance with UGs?

Can we expect miracle to happen in six months, asked for by the CM for putting the things in order that could not be done in six years? Now the effort is to divert the public attention to developmental issues that are much desired and awaited by the people. Although Mr Ibobi Singh was at his witty best during inauguration of Bir Tikendrajit flyover, but the pressure of tackling party crisis might have made him collapse. A sad episode!

In South Assam, Congress party has lost in North Cachar Hill Autonomous Council elections despite Mr Tarun Gogoi dashing to the place and announcing, “It is only his party that can bring development”. Actions need not be bragged about; performance stands out like a ton of diamonds. In Nagaland, too, DAN (Democratic Alliance of Nagaland) government ran into crisis in view of forth coming elections with new leanings and affiliations. Can we say’ “there are no permanent loyalties in politics; it is only permanent Self Interests”.

Generally public is upset about poor quality of development works executed. Can we expect the quality, when most part of the allotted fund is siphoned off at various stages of the project? To quote,” Manipur Hills and Plains contractors association alleged that only 45 % of the allotted amount is available for execution of work and balance is shared by various officials and UG outfits”. May be same must be the case in other states of this region. Latest study indicates that there are more millionaires in Kohima than in Delhi. Probably noted parliamentarian, PA Sangma was right in saying, “Insurgency has become a cottage industry in North East India”.

Democracy is dependent on the fact that public is well informed. Literacy rate of this region is approx 4 % more than the national average (63%). It does not mean that literate and illiterate people (BY as well as FOR element) will understand the games legislators (OF element) play. Here comes the activist role of Judiciary (to dislike of politicians) and press who act as gate keepers to public interests. Former prevents issues being dragged to ninth schedule of constitution for politicking. Latter exercises its right of freedom of speech, under article 19 of the constitution, to bridge the gap of understanding between the governors and the governed. Media is the opium of masses. It has undergone transformation in its reach from medieval days with invention of printing technology by Gutenberg. Now there are electronic and print media making instant and wider reach possible. It helps people to know what is in their interest and also what interests them. Former is more important than the later.

On 15 Aug 1947, JL Nehru proclaimed- a tryst with destiny- “a moment which comes but rarely in history, when we pass from the old to the new, when an age ends and when the soul of a nation long suppressed, finds utterance”. Voice of the people in a democracy is the soul of our nation. Media provides voice to the voiceless. Requisite force to the voice is given by the press based on size of ‘credibility fulcrum’ between the two. Large number of examples can be quoted where in justice has been delivered to the aggrieved just by timely leveraging of issue by media. In Manipur even the UG group has been made to apologize after it threatened staff of one of the local dailies.

To ensure FOR element of the democracy reaches the masses at a desired level, the third and fourth pillar have to play a major role. For that there is need to increase the size of credibility fulcrum for vital leverages. Once this is achieved, Beltola clashes (Assam), Paona bazaar blasts (Manipur) and imposition of AFSPA will not happen for everyone to breath fresh
and healthy air.

Geoffery
( Readers can reach out to the
writer via email: jaey_geoffery@yahoo.co.in)