There is a document going viral on social media platforms of a data showing “district wise summary of fund distribution” under PMJVK during 2022-23 for Nagaland state under the Ministry of Minority Affairs. Its authenticity is yet to be authenticated but if at all it is proven to be true, then it would make a classic example of what Equitable Development is not. Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) is a scheme that seeks to provide better socio economic infrastructure facilities to the minority communities particularly in the field of education, health and skill development. Further, the allegations levelled by the Eastern Nagaland Students’ Federation (ENSF) against the state government on development disparity is also a serious cause of concern, another genuine indication that there is no equitable development in Nagaland. No, equitable development does not mean that there should be a medical college in every district or a stadium in every town. ENSF’s press release, which has been reproduced by this newspaper, contains a lot of truth.
Equitable development is a process of planning and investments that tackles deeply entrenched community issues of poverty, economic barriers, environmental quality and health. It is defined as an approach for meeting the needs of underserved communities through policies and programs that reduce disparities while fostering places that are healthy and vibrant. It is said that equity comes from the idea of moral equality, that people should be treated as equals. Thinking about equity or treating people as equals can help us decide how to distribute goods and services across society, holding the government responsible for its influence over how goods and services are distributed in a society, and using this influence to ensure fair treatment for all citizens. It is a proven fact that equity is instrumentally central to long-term change, growth, poverty reduction and social cohesion. Putting equity at the heart of development programming is the objective of equitable development, to unlock the full potential of the local economy by dismantling barriers and expanding opportunities for disadvantaged people.
Thus, the disparity in development in Nagaland today indicates that there is no moral equality. The concept of moral equality is a cornerstone of democratic political philosophy. Moral equality is the belief that all people are of equal worth and all are entitled to equal respect. What is happening in Nagaland today is clearly a lack of moral equality, the ruling class having no respect for the people, not believing that all people are of equal worth. There is no proper process of planning and investments to offer equitable development. While it is true that the elected representatives of the people from the neglected regions should deliver the goods, the issue is much bigger than that. It is a moral issue.