The state government proposals for widen ing of Roads in and around the capital city, and the incentive scheme launched for aspirants to the highest competitive examination in the country, the Civil Services Examination, deserves a state-wide applause, not only for their merits but also because of the rarity of such public welfare oriented measures coming out of the state governments in Manipur. It is unfortunate that the public should be against the widening of roads in the city, for it is the size of the city roads that will determine how far the city can grow and develop in the years to come. The considerations before the opposing public are likely to be the losses anticipated on account of disruption of businesses, demolition of private buildings, etc. While these are not insubstantial reasons in any measure, they, however, do not justify the halting of the development of a city. The government must ensure that adequate and timely compensation for those affected are worked out in consultation with them, and paid to them in time, but carry through its commendable programme.

As for the incentive announced for CS aspirants, while the measure is laudable, given the height of competition today and the costs of books and study materials, the scheme may be extended to other All India Entrance Examinations like the AIEEE, IITJEE, etc. even if in smaller measures in terms of the monetary incentive. Yet again, it is one thing to grant incentive to performing students from the state, but another, and more important thing, to develop the state education system to produce performing students. It is no more news to say that the government school in a particular village has no building for class rooms or staff rooms, has no students, but employs teachers who are funded by public money to draw their salary from the comfort of their homes. It is also no longer news to say that there are schools which exists only on paper, with huge costs to the public exchequer, but having no outcome other than enriching a corrupt few. So, more than announcing incentives for performers, it is desirable that the government turn its attention to rebuilding the crumbling education infrastructure and reviving the concussing system.

It is public knowledge that there are umpteen numbers of priorities before the government and that the government has to juggle the limited resources between these pressing priorities. However, Manipur is on the verge of a complete collapse as far as education is concerned, if we were to push the law and order issue aside for a while, and needs desperate measures to redeem the desperate situation. It is unthinkable that a Chief Minister should sit pretty in his chair when some ignorant yet committed newly appointed teachers found out to their surprise that there are no schools where they can teach in the places of posting given to them. What is the purpose of the recruitment when you donít have schools where the recruited can teach? How long are the people going to question the government only on the irregularities in appointments of teachers? When are we going to question our government on whether they have functional schools to gainfully employ their recruits?

When are we going to question our government for the corruption and favoritism that's rampant across the departments? Donít we deserve a better pub- lic service? And, on its part, isnít it time the people at the helm assume some moral and ethical responsibility and steer away from the traditions of self-enriching ministers, legislators and bureaucrats, for the good of the land? It is time we reason together.