Government departments across Nagaland exist to serve the people. They implement welfare schemes, deliver public services, provide assistance during emergencies and carry out development programmes. Yet much of their work remains beyond public view. Information about departmental activities, available schemes, eligibility criteria, funds and the selection of beneficiaries is often difficult for ordinary citizens to access. This lack of transparency weakens public accountability and leaves many deserving people outside the reach of government assistance.
Transparency should be a routine feature of public administration, not something demanded only when irregularities come to light. This is not an allegation against all government officials or a suggestion that every department is failing. There are dedicated officers who work sincerely and make a difference in people’s lives. Their approach should set the standard for others.
One practical step would be for every department to voluntarily disclose its activities and make relevant information regularly available to the public. Technology and the media offer sufficient means to do this without creating new structures. Departments can publish updates on projects, expenditure, completed works, welfare schemes, eligibility criteria, application procedures, available assistance and other information of public interest.
The need is particularly evident in remote districts and rural communities. Farmers may miss government support simply because they do not know which schemes are available or how to apply. Families affected by natural disasters may be unaware of the authorities to approach or the procedures for seeking relief. Meanwhile, those with better access to information are often in a stronger position to benefit from government support. This unequal access defeats the purpose of welfare schemes.
The District Planning and Development Boards (DPDBs) could take the lead by establishing a system requiring departments to submit regular activity reports and share public information. The District Public Relations Officers (DPROs) could be entrusted with coordinating a centralised information platform for each district, through which departments can provide timely updates, announce opportunities and communicate directly with citizens.
Such a system would make government work more visible and help people access services to which they are entitled. It would also allow citizens to assess departmental performance and hold public institutions accountable.
Public service must be measured not merely by the work completed inside government offices, but by how effectively that work reaches the people. Transparency is essential to that responsibility.
