Not through Conflict and Confrontation, but by Cooperation

By Pabitra Pran Bhattacharyya

Of late a war of words between his Excellency, the Governor of Assam and the State Ministry over the burning issue of continuous killing of one horned rhinos has been going on. Although the concern shown by the Governor in this regard is welcome, his severe criticism and summoning of concerned officials and Minister has sparked off controversies and debates. Being the constitutiol head of the state a Governor has every right to give suggestions and advice to the Ministry, but he does not have any right to remove or ask the Chief Minister to remove any Minister; instead a Governor is legally bound to act as advised by the council of Ministers. In this situation the Governor working in co- ordition with the state Ministry to find a solution to this long standing problem would have been the right thing to do.

It would indeed be beneficial to the state if the Governor being the representative of the Central Government presses upon it to provide necessary assistance to the state for containing the killing of one horned rhinos and apprises the Ministry of whatever plan he has for a speedy solution. A remark by the APCC (I) president Mr. Anjan Dutta that our Governor can help to a great extent in containing the mece of killing of one horned rhinos by working in co-ordition with the State Government and thereby eble the state to implement the plan and ideas that Governor has formulated in this regard, is indeed a welcome suggestion on the part of the State Congress president. The present Ministry of Assam has many grave problems to solve in a few months. Although killings have been a major issue, several other issues need urgent attention. Again a substantial amount of time has already been wasted in intense interl fighting. There has been an erosion of legitimate authority resulting in non execution of public policies, wide-spread discontentment, deteriorating law and order situation and sharp economic decline.  The state Government should be more committed towards the fulfilment of the aspiration of the common people and bringing about the much needed change to the state. At present we do not want to be unnecessarily cynical about the effectiveness of the Government. Filly, after prolonged speculations the reshuffle of the cabinet is over.

However, only time will tell us how far the newly appointed Ministers will be successful in bringing about changes and dymism in the functioning of the Government! The Ministers have to focus on clearing cumbersome backlogs and formulating short term and long term policies and executing them without losing a single moment of time. A sound understanding on how the economy has to be repaired is needed. Recurring crises exposes the ineffectiveness of the public policies and sound policies reduce poverty and generate employment. Ministers have the primary role in providing a well-designed framework for development. It is expected that the newly appointed Ministers will iron out the differences with the bureaucracy and take measures to facilitate growth. It is also expected that they will not repeat the mistakes committed by their predecessors by indulging in interl fighting for power and consequently making the people of Assam hostage.

We urge the Governor and the state ministry to understand the urgent need of the hour and undertake programmes to foster growth and development. Assam is over-burdened with innumerable burning issues which are yet to be solved. The issue of Bangladeshi infiltration, devastating flood, sealing of the Indo-Bangla border,  soil erosion, ethnic violence, rights over resources, rehabilitation of landless and flood effected peoples, NRC up-gradation etc. are pending for a long time. These apart, issues like unemployment, terrorism, poor infrastructure, weak law and order etc. are also prominent. Special attention should also be paid to agriculture, education, trade and industry with innovative efforts.

A strong political will power and realism are required to resolve these grave issues. In this regard, the state Congress president Mr. Anjan Dutta’s appeal to the ministers to work with utmost dedication and honesty is very significant. Mr. Dutta is said to be the most successful minister of Assam. Due to his ability and soberness he is popular among the peoples. It is expected that Mr. Anjan Dutta with all his experience and energy would instil confidence and dymism in the party and as well as in the ministry. It is high time for both the Government and the party to exploit the positive change and thereby try their level best to deliver on their promises.