Morung Poll: Public wants Nagaland govt to prioritise on basic infrastructure in 2024

January 7, 2024 19 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 7

In a recent poll conducted by The Morung Express on what should be the primary priority for the Nagaland government in 2024 with highlights on improving basic infrastructure (health, road, water, electricity etc), addressing corruption, combat drug trade and others, majority of the respondents wanted improvements in basic infrastructure, with a significant emphasis on health, roads, water and electricity, which directly impact the daily lives of the people.

“These are basic needs that every Naga deserves. Once the government truly takes care of this area half of the development work is already done for us,” a citizen stated while another maintained that with basic infrastructure comes overall development.

In the same vein, another said, “Priority of the State Government for the next 5 years is Good Roads; Good Roads; Good Roads… When you have good roads, development will automatically follow.” Corruption or drug menaces will continue to exist, but basic amenities are necessities for all citizens whether corrupt or addict, a citizen also voiced out while another questioned, “At this point, all I want from the Government of Nagaland to provide for its people is stable electricity 24/7 like in other parts of India. Is this too much to ask?”

Corruption on the radar
Following closely behind, addressing corruption emerged as the second major concern among poll participants. The respondents expressed a desire for a transparent and accountable government that can effectively tackle corrupt practices.
A citizen expressed that corruption is the root of all problems in Nagaland. If it is rooted out, then all other problems like shoddy work culture, backward governance, poor infrastructure, etc., will become less of an issue.

Another complemented that corruption is the cause of all problem that occurs within the private and public health sector, resulting in failure to eradicate poverty, road issues, high quality education, water and electricity problem and so many problem around the corner of Nagaland.

Many respondents were also of the opinion that addressing the evils of corruption should begin from the top echelon.

“For the State to develop it is important to dig out the evil roots and this starts with the ministers and officials. Even if we are provided with schemes, development projects and what not, most of the resources do not reach the lower section. If we have corrupt free officials then the state will develop by itself. The government should have enhanced transparency on flow of money and resources,” a citizen elaborated.

Another alleged that the state government is the largest corrupt entity followed closely by the factions (Naga political groups). Most of the respondents believed that all problems in the state can be solved when corruption ends.

On the issue of combating drug trade and abuse which has become a major cause for concern, citizens acknowledged that drugs kills both present and future generations and that there was a need for robust measures to curb the menace.

Besides, the citizens participating in the poll also highlighted a number of issued they considered pressing and should be addressed by the Nagaland government. This include lifting of NLTP Act, providing employment opportunities, change of guard, equality for all (equal good roads not only at town areas but also at colonies as well), the government acting like a government should etc.

Interestingly, one citizen maintained that such poll though significant is irrelevant in Nagaland while contending, “Conducting online poll surveys will not bring any changes. Instead print and online media should fearlessly create mass campaign by highlighting corruption at all levels without bias.”