Readers of this newspaper will have noticed a steady stream of reports from the ongoing Parliament session detailing schemes, projects and funds sanctioned by various Union ministries. Nagaland has figured repeatedly in these announcements. From Rs 29.26 lakh released by the National Biodiversity Authority to Rs 5.71 crore under NEC in January, from fisheries clusters under PMMSY to cultural grants, from Rs 406 crore outstanding under NESIDS to tourism projects worth several crores, the list is long. Under Swachh Bharat Mission alone, Nagaland has received Rs 369.31 crore under SBM Grameen and over Rs 717 crore in combined rural and urban sanitation support over the years.
On paper, the numbers are impressive. They reflect attention, allocation and intent. Yet, no state can be transformed by money alone. There will never be enough funds to magically develop Nagaland. What matters is whether these allocations translate into visible, measurable change in the lives of ordinary people.
Are roads better and more durable. Are sanitation systems functional and maintained. Are tourism assets generating employment and revenue. Are fisheries clusters and biodiversity committees active beyond official reports. These are questions that cannot be answered in Parliament alone. They must be answered in villages, towns and wards across the state.
Policies and schemes are frameworks. Funds are tools. Results are the true test. It is for the people to judge whether these resources have been used judiciously or whether progress exists only in files and presentations. When citizens remain silent, those in power operate without scrutiny. Accountability weakens and public trust erodes.
Nagaland does not lack schemes. It must ensure it does not lack oversight, transparency and public vigilance.