In Nagaland, the constant outcry over corruption, poor infrastructure, and government inefficiency has become a familiar refrain. Yet, the question we rarely ask is whether we, as citizens, have fulfilled our own responsibilities. It is easy to blame the government for every pothole and every backdoor appointment, but hard to admit that civic negligence begins at home.
When citizens turn a blind eye to wrongs, remain silent in the face of injustice, or justify personal gains over public good, the rot only deepens. The culture of “compromise” has slowly replaced the principle of accountability. Every time a bribe is paid to expedite a file, every time someone misuses public funds without consequence, the very foundation of governance erodes a little more.
Backdoor inductions into government service are only one example of a deeper malaise. When merit is ignored and integrity sacrificed, the system collapses under its own hypocrisy. Similarly, the crumbling roads and failing institutions in our towns reflect not only poor governance but also the silence and apathy of the public. A democracy cannot function on criticism alone; it requires participation, vigilance, and moral courage on the part of the citizens.
Expecting honest governance from a corrupt society is like planting weeds and expecting flowers. If citizens act irresponsibly, the government will mirror that irresponsibility. The kind of government we have is, ultimately, a reflection of the society that sustains it.
Nagaland deserves better, but that begins with its people. Civic responsibility is not about posting outrage online or issuing press statements; it is also not about making political noise before elections. It is about honesty in daily life, respect for laws, and collective demand for transparency. Until that happens, every new government will only repeat the same story.
The truth is harsh but simple: we get the government we deserve. The question now is whether we are ready to deserve better.
