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APRIL2013

Opinion is a theme-based supplement published on the third Saturday of every month. Here you are the artist, the writer, the photographer, the storyteller and the creator of your own opinion. The articles do not reflect the position of the newspaper.

They sayWe should never judge a manTill we’ve been in their shoes.To our sixty (or so) servants in KohimaWho are grieving afreshFor our lack of this and shortages of thatWho are humbly beggingOur understanding and pityFor your helplessness and sufferingBeing cumbered with this and thatWe commiserate deeplyBut we would like to wear your shoes.Your soft shiny shoes...

And ride in your cool dark cars And have the traffic part like the red

sea. And drink icy stuff in your modest man-

sions Where the light never sets. And send our children to schools Where they never auction the mid-day

meal. And never worry about Where our next crore is coming from

And never sit for hours and days At the doors of your offices Awaiting our Servants’ pleasure For two minutes of your precious time.So here is a suggestionFrom your weary masters of the land

That before you beginAnother glorious five years of Servant-hoodPut yourself in our shoesTake an auto-ride in our pot-holesPlay hide and seek with the lightSend your children to ghost schoolsTo learn under bogus teachers.Get your salary mid-month with chunks missingTo feed another whose appetite matches yours. And then let us meet again To discuss Servanthood and Hyprocrisy

A Poem to the SIXTYDear Legislatures,

I do not think a vitriolic cre-scendo or a polemic eulogy or for that matter, a basic appraisal, addressed to your newly formed Legislative Assembly of the Nagaland Government for a just and

democratic governance will hit on the right note just yet. Notes of accountability and democratic governance serenaded through media, introduction of new policies, and ap-pointment of evaluating teams or even the appearance of some supposedly messianic-like quality leader to build the House in the right track will be too much to be asked for at the moment. Not that I am given to complacency, after all, I continue to envision for a more eq-uitable and a fair society. Nor am I too much of a sentimentalist to be call a chronic cynic, I still relish and yearn for some certain doses of idealism and trance like vision. Ah yes, I do see the sheer irony of dreaming, entrapment, re-sentment and vibes of sarcasm but these days, I get a rare high in realizing that with the tem-pest of age kicking in me, certain inhibition for awkwardness and desire for approval that comes after astute reasoning wanes off. Anyway, the fact of the matter is, I would let a certain school of trained, painstak-ingly handpicked personnel to educate and scribe out to your esteemed Legislative Mem-ber of 2013 on governance and other such beautiful concepts and rhetoric. The lacunae of Naga reality, concept, attitude and mocking indifference of the society and the people is too much to reconciled and configure in my mind, let alone direct the Government. Instead I would restore to emphati-cally beseech the Government to look with immediate urgency into three very basic in-frastructures and need with consummate self-interest knowing there are dividends to be made, albeit not in the form of benefit many of you might be accustomed to. But dividends, believe me, there is. They are:1. Electricity: This is not the space to zoom into the nuances of the sources, avail-ability and demand of power in the State. But many, almost chuckled when members from your halo Assembly in past years, in utter ig-norance or in guise of satire or in total confi-dence shrilled out that they want to make Na-galand an IT hub. Yes, an IT hub, here in our very beloved Nagaland. An ambitious dream,

an audacious plan. But for now, if you may, we would like to humbly suggest your current Assembly, rather, to just consider on provid-ing some decent hour of electricity. Of course, not 24x7 electricity, that is not even close to our dream, let alone an IT hub; but say a con-cession of electricity of 14x7 would suffice. 2. Water Facility: It is mandatory that water for basic hygiene and cleanliness is sup-plied. It is a crime that in these day and age, public on meager budget has to worry and be forced to splurged money on water for ba-sic everyday use. Little children, mostly girls made to queue to fetch a pitcher of water as early as four in the dawn is a normal sight in many towns and villages in Nagaland includ-ing in Kohima. This is grotesque. This cannot be tolerated. 3. Road Connectivity: And like the other two points, here, we are really not look-ing for six/four lane, three lane or even two lane supernational highways. We understand this will be too much of a task at hand to ex-ert on your Government’s limited resources both material and mental imagination. We, your people simply would be satisfied with descent motorable road connected between all the Eleven District Headquarters and to our Capital. This is not a scandalous provision, as you can only understand the need to pay our homage at your respective office in Ko-hima. Otherwise it will be too much of a gap after the election campaign to not be meet-ing with your constituent members And nay, I will not lose too much sleep if the promises made during election or in previous tenure for a political settlement is not up-coming on a platter before the sum-mer, let alone Christmas, since Easter is al-ready gone. We would not mind much if the Road Map to Peace and Prosperity could not be materialized nor procured just yet, if elec-tricity, water and road connectivity are initi-ated, to begin with. On a different note, the grapevines are doing its round about the practice of As-sembly members keeping mistresses and in some case, concubines. Nagas have accepted this part of our bureaucratic and your Legis-lature members’ bohemian lifestyle; though in some cases, some of you have become the butt of some notorious jokes spread also via mobile sms. Nagas need to see this trend be-yond the spectrum of jokes. It is an issue of moral and ethical question. It calls into ac-count the integrity of the leader. Maybe an

agenda during zero hour should be brought about by the Speaker of the House and rep-rimand the habitual offenders, and nick off any such thoughts from those newly mem-bers who may harbor the tendency. Don’t the mafias in their initiation ceremony of new members strongly warn the recruits to keep a strongly family front? After all it is key to any successive implementation of their mis-sion. The lesson is incisive even for our Leg-islatures. Not that our recent democratically elected Government is liken with mafia-like operations but sometimes the irony is not lost even to a simple observer. I need not go more on this. But we are also so encouraged that al-most all the Legislatures are pledging for the welfare and common interest of the people. Isn’t it heartening that one of your Legislative member somewhere in Mokokchung just on April 11th thundered, “We don’t discriminate on party lines but discriminate between the truth and lies”. True, it came from an unlikely Legislative member, no doubt. We did not see such prophetic message coming. But like many, I was moved to the core. Such are the changes blowing in Nagaland. And who are we to judge and stop such vortex of positive forces? Yet, coming to the crux of this letter, I must admit for an individual with nationalist leaning, to write on Statehood and its benefit is rather odd, but I repeat, sometimes age has a certain way of dealing with queer qualms in life. I hope in politics too, as you all age and mature these qualms on electricity, water and road connectivity are dealt with sensibly. Give us public, a benefit of our doubt and surprise us with these three basic infrastructures with your munificence and intellectual. We are due one in a long time. And if the 12th Legislative Assembly, Government of Nagaland does not delivered to the public with these surprises, how will we, the public take, response and react? My dear Naga comrades, if so be the case, I vociferously beseech: My friends, where are our outrage?

PSFor those new to Nagaland, given the state of the State, you might be excuse to think that Nagaland is at a nascent stage of Statehood. Nagaland will celebrate her glorious history, marking her Golden Jubilee of Statehood in December this year.

EMANATE GOOD GOVERNANCEwith Electricity, Water and Road Connectivity

ILLUSTRATION by aToNG RoThRoNG

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SedevI aNGamiRev. KeLHIzULO Lasuh

easTeRiNe

Suggestions for good governance to the present government of Nagaland

MUgHApU swu

Suggestions For GovernanceYou Shall Not Steal

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Governance im-plies control, di-rection and rule with authority or administers laws to govern a sys-tem to achieve certain objec-tives. Good gov-

ernance implies running administra-tion according to the defined laws to achieve the objective of promoting the welfare of the people in a demo-cratic oriented order. The DAN coalition led state government has yet again triumph in securing the authority for govern-ing in Nagaland. A laudable political feat, given the fact that this is the third time that they have managed to secure power in a perpetual man-ner. The government though veter-an in nature has a rich pool of young enthusiastic politicians, whose in-tellectual skills, zeal, energy and knowledge can be harnessed for the welfare of the state. To ensure that good governance is being practiced in Nagaland. The state government

must take serious note on the fol-lowing aspects/affairs:

- Ensure that economic disparity between the various sections of the society is minimal.

- Ensure transparency and ac-countability in its working/func-tioning.

- Provide good educational infra-structure in the state.

- Good road connectivity and reg-ular electricity

Ensure that economic disparity be-tween the various sections of the society minimal:- In the context of Nagaland where a good number of people live in the rural areas, the government can ensure economic stability to the people by effectively implementing the various central schemes in a transparent and ac-countable manner. According to a report based on a Central govern-ment survey, an alarming number of people i,e around 4 lakh is living under Below Poverty Line (BPL) in both urban and rural areas. The gov-

ernment should take a serious look into this matter and come up with an effective solution to tackle this problem and thereby ensure mini-mal economic disparity between the various sections of the society.

Ensure transparency and account-ability in its working/functioning:- Presently, Nagaland is riddled with corruption which is having a bad influence on the welfare of the peo-ple and the state. In the absence of transparency and accountability, the government is likely to succumb to corruption, and which in turn will have a cascading effect on the en-tire affairs of the state such as em-ployment and economy. To ensure transparency and accountability, the actions and decisions of those in gov-ernment should be open for public scrutiny and also public should have access rights to such information. Also the government should strictly check malpractices such as bribery, nepotism, back door and political appointments in various state de-partments and corruption and pun-

ish those who are found guilty.

Provide good educational infrastruc-ture in the state:- The driving force behind any thriving and developing society/state is education. Education plays a pivotal role in the progress of a society. The existing education-al infrastructure in the state is not at par with the other states in the country. As a result many students are prompted to pursue their studies in other states by incurring a huge amount of expenditure. The govern-ment should realize the importance of education as a tool of impetus for progress and development and thereby do the needful by providing good higher educational infrastruc-tures in the state both in the do-mains of technical and non-technical studies.

Good road connectivity and regular electricity:- Good road connectiv-ity is the key to a prosperous na-tion/state as it provides a network of interconnectivity that interlinks the various parts of a state, thereby

opening up ample opportunities for development and trading of goods. The present road condition in Naga-land is in a pathetic state. Potholes and puddles are what defines the road condition in Nagaland despite the Central Government giving out huge amount of funds to build good roads. It is also sad to see that there are still some villages/places in Naga-land which are inaccessible by a vehi-cle due to the poor condition of the road. The government should look into this matter seriously and do the needful work. On the issue of electricity, Nagaland presently is reeling under power crisis which is almost having a paralytic effect on the day to day life of the people. The government should take a serious note on this problem as soon as possible for the welfare of its citizens. Besides this highlighted sug-gestions, the government should try to live up to the hopes and anticipa-tions of the people, who have placed their trust in them, by being vision-ary and honest leaders.

Take a look at people’s needs

Nagaland today is a state with one of the greatest potentials. We have fantastic resources.1. A warm, hospitable and enthusiastic people. 2. Extremely fertile land with some of the most exquisite fruits and vegetables in an organic environment.

3. Beautiful terrain and ecology.4. A church that has the potential of mass

mobilization of people for good.5. A close knit community, tribes and villages that

can rise in one accord to do huge projects and initiatives.

6. A central government of one of the world’s greatest and fast moving economies which has been pouring large amounts of finance into the state.

The only reason why we do not grow and remain behind all other states in the country is because of our own evil and corruption. We the people are responsible for our own situation and predicament.Suggestions to people in power for good Governance1. Go to the people and understand the ground situation:• The collective wisdom of people far exceeds

any one person’s experiences.• Before you start exhorting and directing

people, first listen to them. You will make less mistakes in implementation of programmes or projects.

• Beafacilitatorandnotaruler.Youareelectedand appointed to serve – not lord it over people.

2. Plan with the people based on their felt and real needs:• People take ownership for programmes only

when they are included in the planning.• There is no alternative to good objective

research of real needs. What works or what does not must be based upon objective evidence and not assumptions.

3. Get good advisors who have integrity and a genuine interest in people:• Resources in terms of good advisors are

available in plenty. You cannot be an expert in everything. Identify the need and find out who are the best people in that field and listen to them.

4. Identify key industrious good people – work and invest in them. Support them aggressively:• Good and motivated people if adequately

supported will generate more income, work, employment and productivity for the state than using the same old staff for new programmes.

• Make a talents and abilities inventory of allthe people working under you. There is a huge amount of wasted potential in people. Your job should be to get the maximum out of the current staff by exploring and empowering people.

5. Lead by example:• Set very high standards for yourself beforedemanding them from others.• Leadersmustworkharderandlongerthantheirsubordinates. They will have to make bigger sacrifices.6. Live like the people:• Set a limit to your spending for yourself and

discipline yourself in your money, food and expenditure.

• Remove the red light beacons from your carsand experience the traffic jams like all other normal people. Go to Haji park, New market and bargain for vegetables and stuff. You will learn more from there than from a trip abroad. If Mamta Banerjee and Manik Sarkar can do it, there is hope for you to return to a simple lifestyle.

7. Share information:• Informationismoneyandpower.• If information is shared, nobody has the

monopoly over business and makes a level playing field.

• Studytofindouthowyoucanshareasmuchuseful information as fast as possible.

8. Develop accountability measures and methods of transparency that cannot be undone:• Accountabilityandtransparency ishardwork.

They do not happen just like that by wishing for it.

• Develop a team to study the anatomy andstructure of corruption from beginning to end and then develop a roadmap to plug in all the possible loopholes and gaps identified.

9. Implement the law strictly regardless of position or proximity:• Live by the law and then you will be able to

enforce it fearlessly.• Be ruthless with yourself and you will gain

boldness to implement the law.• Wherethereisjusticethereismuchlesscrime

and conflict.10. Finally study the Bible with a purpose: there are enough examples and teachings in the scripture related to ethics, governance, management, administration and leadership than you can glean from any other source.

Alternatives to good governance:1. Increase your wealth disproportionately.• Thiswillcausejealousyamongstothers.• Itcreatesacycleofcompetitiontoacquirethat

has no end. This is a great evil.• It createsadividebetweenthe richandpoor

that increases crime.2. Frustration amongst those who do not make it

or do not agree with the status quo.• This will lead into a French revolution like

situation where everybody will suffer – both guilty and innocent people.

3. Continue to be the most backward state in India.

Take a look at people’s needs and people’s wants in Na-galand. What strikes one about Naga people’s wants are that they are more or less the same as what they need. We want pipe water, good roads, good electricity and a police force that is public friendly, inspiring trust and ren-dering protection to the law abiding citizens. All these are very simple wants and they are identical with the

needs of the people. They are all things that the government can pro-vide without relying on external help or foreign aid. If the government can prioritise these items, they will have achieved good governance in the effort. The last point is about the working Saturdays. These are profit-less days when workers come to office unwillingly. It defeats its own purpose. Doing away with working Saturdays and providing long weekends for workers to rest will result in a better work ethic than forcing working Saturdays on a dispirited workforce.

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This is the eighth of the Ten Commandments. Majority of Nagas are Christians. We take Bible as the word of God. The New Testament is mainly for Christians. But the Old Testament is also our scripture. We ought to obey it. Specially the Ten Commandment is regarded as the principle of life on earth. Out of ten comman-dants only four speaks about our relationship with God. The rest six commandments are for our relation-

ship with fellow human beings. Human beings have many things to observe in order to live with Humans. Thus the 8th Commandment, “You shall not steal is very important” for Christians. Steal means tak-ing away others things secretly. Unfortunately, stealing has become a habit or a way of life for most Nagas. The habit of stealing begins from top down to bottom. In Naga society the one who is on the top steals the largest amount and the lesser amount follow according to the protocol. For example, in village level the VCC steals larger share and other members lesser share. In state level chief ministers steals the largest amount then ministers, Parliamentary secretaries and MLAs. In administrative offices also the same protocol follows. That is why the public continue to suffer under them for many years. Whereas they amassed, lands, building and property. As a result there are no medi-cines in government hospitals, dispensaries, health centers. The share of the old age, the orphans, the widows are taken away. BPL rice and other items for the people of below poverty levels never reach them. Mid-day meals for students are not served. Angawadi provisions are not given to the poor children. This happens, because they are stolen away by the powerful and the rich. Majority of Nagas are Christians should we not live as Chris-tians. What you need is provided by the government. But the power of greed in you urges you to steal above the provisions available for you. If the powerful and rich do not listen to God one day they will suffer the consequences. So, repent and believe in Lord Jesus Christ then you shall be saved.

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Nagaland – being a state of democratic environment, with the rights of

Economic, Social and Cultural (ESC) activism. In my view the present

scenario outlook have poor electricity, water scarcity, and poor road

conditions. Insufficient of transport facility to villages or distance / rural

places not to minimize but to maximize the facility in plying of buses, taxis as transport is a mast also beautification

of its state. Infrastructure facility should be further utilized. Development of tourism apart from Hornbill festival

we hardly come across the cross – cultural programme. I would like to

suggest that organizing better training grounds, networks on economic

literacy, budget analysis with special focus on getting women platform and

civil society, organizations to understand better state establishment.

Further, Rendering to build citizen capacity even popularizing the use of human rights basing on the situation

arose. Within the jurisdiction of Nagas it should also be centered approach to

governance, mobilizing and strengthening social movements.

For young / employment generation it should also be channelized into

dancing, music, sports mobilizing not only in government service or PMGP Loans but government should well – support with modern techniques and

other financial supports. As huge gap of economic condition and well being

standard are seen among the midst, for certain percentage of Nagas is rich.I do suggest for the better run of its

governance – the outlook for poor then marginalized to claim the rights.

Government should engage regionally on issues such as reforms of regional

institutions, trading, debts and transitional justice too.

Thus, engaging the process in promoting just and good democratic governance will enhance a peaceful scenario towards its establishment.

I am not saying it is, but one political party jobs in the government is not a

good roster because one party electorates who have not won in

elections are rejected their right of jobs, it’d be cutting across all party lines.

Further, try to grasp ideas from where there is more backward and slum

regions and evolve with the pace of other developed nations. Yet, need to

maintain checks and balances and status quo in the governance of the

government. Corruptions like procuring easy money from the public who

casually comes to office on personal duty making them wait for 2 to 3 weeks

so as to get just one signature. These must be steered clear of. Humility, some

degree of self-control be more cultured… and it will prove as a driving

force in the governance.

KIUTSUMONG B. LAMS

KIKHEVI CATY

MUGHAPU SWU

A democratic government is one that is formed on the basis of the phrase ‘power of the people’. To call Nagaland Government –

just and democratic, people’s interests must be served at any cost. Nagaland comprises of 70% rural population. These people must be

empowered for justice to prevail. Remembering the people only during election

will prove to be disastrous one day. The present government must learn from the

position of the state’s congress I and move fast and earnestly so that the power that has

been entrusted to them by the bulk of the people is delivered promptly and efficiently.

There are many capable leaders (politician) in the present ministry and if they play their card well, many of them have the chance of holding the top-position one day. The only

thing required is self-discipline on the part of these leaders.

A government that cannot even provide the basic necessities to its people can never

qualify to be called a just and democratic government and today in the 21st century.

Food, clothing, shelter, good road and infrastructure, power, health and education comprises the basic necessities. These are

human rights and the young promising leaders who have a long way to go in politics in terms of age, health and potentialities are reminded that, in the future of the common

people, their future is embedded“Long live, Nagaland”

JIMMY LOTHA

As a government of the people, the government of Nagaland is now challenged to prove its worth by

delivering the promises made in their election manifesto. There should be

no delays in releasing any projects. I would definitely like to see setting up

of higher educational institutions, especially in the field of medical and

technical sciences so that the concerned aspirants won’t have to

migrate elsewhere in large numbers. Furthermore, I expect creation of

employment opportunities by bringing in private companies and

encouragement to young entrepreneurs by bestowing awards every year. All the officers must be trained to answer RTI applications

without any discrimination.

TOKATO K YEPTHO

Yet, if Nagaland needs reform for good Governance through a change of system, governance bodies handling government

fund should change selfish mindedness so as to maintain the prestigious chair as

honourable for public service.

SANGAMLUNG DANGMEI

Some suggestion for good governance; to create more employment opportunities in

every sector, find option for water source in areas where there are water crises,

regularity of electricity, black top road on every look and corner with plan drainage

system, broader road and more flyover specially town areas.

TSINTSU TIKHIR

No government can provide good governance to the people in the absence of

electricity, quality education, drinking water, road connectivity and health care.

There cannot be just and democratic governance without proper representation in the governing machineries. For just and

democratic governance, the elected government must keep their wheels rolling towards connecting towns and villages with good roads, providing electricity, drinking water facility, schools, health centers and

jobs to all sections of the people in the state. Peace is sine qua non for better governance. Gender equality and protecting the rights of

minorities are no less important. Besides, corruption is but the worst malady against good governance and it must be uprooted. The condition of the above factors depicts the type of governance better than that of

annual progress report. We the people must remember that it is not

the Govt. alone who fails to give better governance to the people but it is we the

people who also fail to elect right candidates.

Governance implies control, direction and rule with authority or administers

laws to govern a system to achieve certain objectives. , the government

should try to live up to the hopes and anticipations of the people, who have placed their trust in them, by being

visionary and honest leaders. It must Ensure that economic disparity between

the various sections of the society is minimal .Ensure transparency and

accountability in its working/functioning. Provide good educational infrastructure in the state. Good road connectivity and

regular electricity.

No matter how much the Nagas try to alienate ourselves from the rest of India, the truth and the fact is that we abide by the Constitution of India. And in no way,

I can see any usages of the Indian Constitution in Nagaland. The

bureaucrats and the ministers are not the only people who can bring about a just and a democratic governance in

Nagaland. As public, we play an equally important role in the smooth functioning

of the government in Nagaland. All my suggestions will go in vain if you do not

put into practice. The Nagas are an expert when it comes to speaking great,

big things base on changes and even more better when it comes to writing. But all these are baseless if we do not move an inch forward in doing things

practically.The public must also stop going so easy

on the constant corruptions taking place at every blink of an eye. For me, nothing is going just in the democratic parlance of Nagaland. If I have to suggest I would

say that we have to start from the ‘ROOT’. I can firmly say that if we

continue to go on at the same pace then every single citizen will fall into the

menace: The right ones will also end up supporting the wrong ones! We know that we are going in a wrong direction but why are we keeping mum over it? It not only pains my heart, but I get furious and angry too when I have to

suggest for a just and democratic governance for a state like Nagaland

where the Fundamental Rights are not exercised: These rights being the BASIC rights laid down by the Constitution of India. I am not calling for a “war” but

atleast “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH”. How can we continue with the same process, the same governance? Will we just turn a

deaf ear even though the working of the Government are not worth

appreciating? I don’t know about you but I, I am not even a ‘dot’ satisfied and I am pretty obvious that my suggestions for a just and a democratic governance will go in vain. So I better not suggest as it will make me more furious at the thought of

all the incorrect, wrong, injustice procedures in the government. I notice

raised eyebrows of the readers!

Inclusivity is the concept that lynchpins every aspects of socio-economic

transformation. Just and democratic governance should be based on the

virtues of bottom-up approach. Thus, village democracy is the model of

governance that makes the principles of democracy percolate to the ‘last-man’. Hence, inclusivity in governance can

only come from making the Village Council in Nagaland politically dynamic

and economically self-sustainable. In short, democratic decentralization and

its mechanisms should be made effective. Besides these, there should be transparency and accountability in the

use of public money as well as in the discharge of public schemes and funds

sanctioned by the Central Government.

RINSIT VASHUM

MOAKALA T. AIER

1. Repairing of roads and widening them whenever required can solve

most of the traffic problems especially in Dimapur which is known as “The

Commercial Hub of Nagaland”2. Restoration of the power supply must be done at the earliest. The

concerned officials must tackle with this problem with interest and

without taking the patience of the public as an advantage.

3. Ensure that personnel to be appointed through NPSC are not

through political, backdoor or departmental exams but should be

based on merits, capability and through complete fair selection.

SHARONSANGLA C. CHANG

voices onJUST & DEMOCRATICGOVERNANCE

ABERO ADAHE

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A pROdUCTION OF

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AKHAyII Komou

Good Governance is the desire of the peopleGood governance is the desire and con-cern of every com-mon people. When there is all round development in the state, then every-body is happy and

satisfy with life. To maintain good governance, it may require analyz-ing from all angles of life, ideology, concept of society and the circum-stances. Basically, we have to know what the good governance is, and how to maintain good governance. To maintain good government, both the government and the people may require civilizing and understand-ing. Both are interdependent and inseparable. It says that exercising power and decision-making for a group of people is called governance. Ac-countability is one of the most im-portant roles to maintain good governance. According to United Na-tions; Good governance is, in short, anti-corruption whereas authority and its institutions are accountable, effective and efficient, participatory, transparent, responsive, consensus-oriented, and equitable.

Corruption and nepotism is directly or indirectly practice in many departments. This affects and de-moralizes the efficiency, honesty and accountability of the institutions. Decision-making people must firm-ly imposed law and justice against those corrupt people. The effective and efficient officers and employ-ees is the necessity of every depart-ment. Both field work and theory must be practicable and exist. Com-mon people must be empowered to participate in meaningful ways in decision-making processes. Trans-parency of governing will check and aware every common people. It says that in Japan, there is transparency in their government and the people. Law and justice must be equally im-plemented and imposed. The views and opinion of op-pressed and weaker section people must be heard and protected. Eco-nomic growth, the eradication of poverty and hunger, and sustainable development is the image of good governance. E-governance aware the people to address development issues and challenges because citi-zens find empowerment through ac-cess to information.

If we observe the environ-ment of the society, there are many obstacles and loopholes in function-ing of governing and the awareness of the common people. In many cas-es, paper works seems to be the re-sult of works. But in reality, the field works is as important as the paper works. Paper works cannot be justi-fied until and unless the field works is done. At the same time, both the paper works and field works of the government must be transparent and coherent so that every citizen will be aware and correct the system of government. Hypocrites and egoism is also one of the main obstacles in func-tioning of society and the govern-ment. Many of them are smart and clever in trumpeting one’s image. Practically, many seem to be unac-countable in their work. Working in terms of position and superior instead of accountable and effec-tive is commonly habituated in life. Making a project and signatory of the paper works without complet-ing the field work seems to be the reality of happening in many cases. This is the reality of circumstances in government, NGO, public sector

undertaking, etc. Blaming and pok-ing at others without understanding and accepting one’s own responsi-bility is a symbol of one’s weakness. Work more, talk less is the advice of the father of nation, Mahatma Gan-dhi. It is commonly observed that people who talk much are often do less work. There is a proverb that ‘an empty vessel makes much noise’. There are many challenges ahead of those people who were elected in state government and the government officials, besides the public leaders and the common people. To maintain good govern-ance, both the government and the common people must be account-able, aware, responsive and concern about the all round development of the surrounding. When every de-partment of government, NGO, Pub-lic society, student body, etc follow the honesty, discipline, hard work, sincerity, justice and legal, then there is an image of good govern-ance. This will bring prosperity and development in every infrastructure. Sometime, parallel form of govern-ment brings obstacles to all round development. Probably, a political solution may bring a way to estab-

lish good governance. The aware-ness, change of ideological concept amongst the common people may also bring a better form of society. The elected members of state assembly are accountable to create awareness, and effective form of government. They should be active, responsive, strict, obey the rule of law and justice, and transparent to the people. Effec-tive and efficient implementation of project in every government de-partment must be transparent, im-posed and follow. Service rule and work culture must be effectively and transparently implemented so that a good service will be re-flected within the department, and amongst the people. The authority and every in-stitution of government should be accountable, effective and efficient, participatory, transparent, respon-sive, consensus-oriented, and eq-uitable. This would reflect a good image and reputation of Politicians, government officials and employees so that every citizen will satisfy with the way of life. This will bring pros-perity, peace, love, justice and satis-faction to every human being.

dAvId

Listen O ye rulers, thus spake the Voice:1. Thou shalt keep thy God ever in thy mind,When thou rulest , be to all just and kind.In thy governance, above all, Him you obey,False gods of power and wealth, lay them astray2. Thou shalt not make farce of the oath that is taken,Remember to fulfill promises no matter whathappens ,Follow the example of Jesus, the divine teacher,Who humbled Himself to be a servant and not a Master.3. Thou shalt not oppress or suppress the opposition,“Vox populi, Vox Dei”, be the ‘mantra’ of thy action.Development is thy aim, focus hence on commitment,Be it roads, electricity, or public all establishments.4. Thou shalt honour the elders, the senior citizens,All public places must acknowledge their presence,Thou shalt see to their comfort and just livelihood,They shall bless thee with their utmost gratitude.5. Thou shalt not destroy or cause to destroy the opponent,Destroy instead the lust for power, wealth and sitting complacent.Thou shalt beware of the flattery of the bootlickers,Instead base thy judgment on eyewitness and true

reporters.6. Misuse or abuse of public fund tantamounts to stealth,Public eye is more sharp and keen than thou considereth,Remember thou art accountable to Him whojudgeth,Both action and intention much before thou taketh.7. Thou shalt not covet the neighbor state’s property,Their, riches, mores nor multi-coloured festivity;Thou shalt secure thine own indogeneity,Preserve the ‘modus operandi’ et natural bio-diversity.8. Thou shalt rule with intelligence and prudence,Virtues and justice are its true quintessence.Beware of ruling with nefarious greed in thy heart,The ‘roaring lion’ or the ‘hungry bear’ prowl about to thwart.9. Thou shalt choose ministers who share thy vision,It’s the only way to accomplish thy mission.That hand is to be preferred that reaches out,To the hand that first searches the mouth.10. Thou shalt keep the Lord’s Sabbath most Holy,That is the day, thy God rested from work duly.Thus a well-earned week, toiled and labored,Dost deserve a break, let Nagaland too feel blessed.

A DECALOGUE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE

ILLUSTRATION by sÜNGKÜm

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