With the General Elections 2019 round the corner and the Arunachal assembly elections also expected to be held along with it, the Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju has raised a cardinal issue. He has dealt with the attitudinal aspect of the state’s lawmakers and made a clarion call for shunning the old style of functioning and embark on something more proactive to materialize the developmental goals of the state. In clear terms, he has expressed his view that every MLA and MP should discard their lackadaisical attitude and walk that extra mile to pay respect to the people’s verdict who have elected them with great levels of expectations. Rijiju’s comment on Tuesday whileaddressing the Arunachal Rising Campaign at Koloriang, the headquarters of Kurung Kumey district is pertinent indeed and holds good not only for the Arunachal context but also for Indian democracy.

Now what does an average Arunachalee seek from his or her representative? Accountability, to put it in a nutshell. The aam admi wants basic amenities, better roads, uninterrupted electricity, water or to say it in a colloquial way-bijli, sadak and paani. And there can be no denying of the fact that a lawmaker can definitely play that much needed  catalytic role in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of  the electorate of his or her constituency. Even without direct executive power, MPs and MLAs can exercise legitimate political authority on the district administration to focus on relevant public works projects and give practical shape to state and Union government initiatives through engagement with public officials, interaction with constituents to understand their needs and concerns, as well as by pursuing investments. 

Herein again arises the question of will and accountability. There can be no denying of the fact that Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed decades of weak administration and poor service delivery. As an effect there is obviously now an increased pressure on legislators to prioritize basic developmental needs.

MPLADS and MLALADS are considered two prime instruments of tangible developments. But sadly, underutilization of these funds is a feature in Arunachal. And with the ‘dance of democracy’ starting within a few months from now, it is high time the lawmakers of Arunachal Pradesh work 24x7 before facing the janta.

---

Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

<< Back to News List