Kohima: Citizens in Nagaland are demanding sweeping reforms to end corruption and restore government accountability. A flood of responses to the Morung Express suggestion platform reveals deep frustration with current leadership. One respondent stated, "For holistic development in Nagaland, there must be honest assessment of the ground situation. Besides the issues of infrastructure (or lack of it), the main obstacle is trust. The public just does not trust the government and administration because both these machineries have failed the public."
Governance is broken. Reformers want the finance portfolio stripped from the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. They suggest assigning these roles to capable MLAs instead. To curb absenteeism, citizens demand CCTV in all department head offices. They also want mandatory biometric sign-ins. A 360-degree appraisal system for all government staff could ensure performance metrics are met.
Nepotism remains a major sore point. Politicians often appoint kin or unqualified supporters to advisory roles to protect personal interests. Suggestions to fix this include dissolving student bodies that maintain political party affiliations, such as the NSF. Some argue candidates should hold a Master’s degree to run for office. Others demand an end to hiring based on connections, insisting that merit and integrity must guide appointments instead.
Economic growth is stalling. Infrastructure remains a priority for the public. Better roads and rail links are needed to connect areas beyond Dimapur and the state capital. Citizens argue that current reliance on these two districts is unsustainable. One suggestion proposes a phased development plan to fix roads, electricity, healthcare, and schools one district at a time. Private colleges should also receive government aid to unlock federal funding.
Systemic change requires new research and independent think tanks. Relying solely on bureaucrats will not work. Currently, 76 percent of government workers seek jobs only for financial stability rather than innovation. Skeptics warn that the younger generation shows little promise for change, as many simply aim to mirror the current political class. Citizens demand the state act on public direction, ensuring resources serve the people rather than politicians or outside businessmen.
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