Degree of Thought

Corruption Animus – Shitio Shitiri, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science

Shitio Shitiri

The hot waves of crime and corruption have been sweeping Nagaland since its creation. Corruption cannot come down unless all stakeholders support and participate in eradicating it. There is a need to promote increased transparency, fairness, equity, competitiveness and leveraging of technology in all areas of functioning of governance.

 

Corruption Animus

There is much talk about corruption at various domains by the public be it social media or public platform. Corruption is an endemic which degrades the moral order of a society.  The silent crime ‘Corruption’ is sustained by weak systems and lack of accountability. It breeds inequality and injustice and seriously undermines the government’s ability to provide effective and basic services to the people. The uncovered evidence of malfeasance and abuse of public power for personal gain has grown because those at the helm of affairs have discovered that the arm of law is never enough to extirpate them.

No doubt anti-corruption initiatives must be state driven, state owned and inextricably linked to good governance. The government alone certainly cannot end this menace but being rational citizens, we definitely have certain roles to play in the corrupt arena. Corruption has no boundaries; its presence can be felt in the political, non-political and even religious institutions. Some coherent and comprehensive strategy is needed to prevent, educate, advocate on the evils of corruption and come up with punitive actions to tackle it. Measures like system analysis, reforms and dissemination of information, organising workshops and seminars could be one platform for different stakeholders and think tanks to participate and devise measures for at least solving this bombastic problem confronting our society.

The civil society, a vibrant network of diverse talents is playing an important role as watchdogs of government performance in ensuring ethics, accountability, transparency and responsiveness. The critical role played by medias also cannot be undermined. Despite woes and cries to improve governance, corruption continues to flourish. It is common, ‘Fight against corruption’ heads all major newspapers ‘the blame game’ Mr. X government is not vibrant, Mr. Y (Opposition) is responsible, and we are trying to clean the mess of the previous ministry, Mr. Z (Civil Society)  shouts Corruption, we are ready to talk, the anger all over the state, therefore pother into one Drama-Fighting corruption, the turnout was impressive, once again common man on the streets, truth untold- common man being the perpetrator and victims of corruption.

The commoner have stayed away from protesting; more or less have endorsed to be social media warriors and critics that explain its participation. The fight against corruption is a collective responsibility. It is we who have a critical role to play, therefore anti-corruption attitude should be promoted in the common man (Owe it to yourself, not delving into the nitty gritty of election- we share the throne for the mess) as a necessary step to counter corruption.

I am flummoxed, where the state stands after decades of planning and implementation? Arguably basic developments like education, power, irrigation, industry, transport, drinking water facility and roads have not reached the intending standard desired or for that matter benefited the microscopic minority population of the state. The masses have been derived of the fruits of planning.  The general standard of living has not gone up to the required level. If there is one gaping hole in our roster of achievements after statehood, it is the deplorable road condition and connectivity in the state. Case in point, driving distances from Changtongya to Longleng is approximately 32 km and it takes 4.5 hours, whereas driving distances from Roing to Tizu (Arunachal Pradesh, Dibang district) is 66.3 km and it just takes 47 minutes, why? ‘Percentage business’ leads to poor workmanship and lack of quality roads.  Roads act as the fetter for the overall development and progress of society. It hampers the economic growth prospects in the same way as deficiencies in physical infrastructure. The government has failed to implement their election manifestos over five and half decades of its existences. It keep me thinking ‘What better idea or policy the government have in transforming the current state of affairs’? Mutatis mutandis, Change is coming- indeed! Where? Don’t wither away ephemeral refurbish road and traffic bottleneck.

When we look at the past and present day-to-day happening, we cannot fail to notice the unethical governance. What can be done? Cry for major socio-economic changes. We need mass movement and awareness against this malady to better the record apart from the herculean efforts on the part of the government. It is very difficult to understand the problem of corruption without first discussing the purpose of civil services, ethical and legal requirements. Since corruption is a direct or indirect pursuit, it is imperative to integrate anti-corruption education in the curriculum of general education. Anti-corruption education is not about teaching it but providing information and measure to combat it.  The ultimate result is to mold a personality who is aware about the putrefaction and seeking to eliminate it for a better tomorrow. Curbing corruption is about changing the attitude, negative behaviour and habits.

We argue over the vexed question of how to reduce corruption? Easier said than done! Where do we start? I feel our rational ideas should translate into actions by systematic, sustained and dedicated effort. Ideas rule the world; it has always been vital in arousing public opinion and bringing about a reform. A rational man has the power to transform beast into human, and human into divine man (Theosophical ideas). Logical reasoning and ideas would percolate and gradually crystallize into clear vision enabling us to look through problems and judge issues judiciously. No wonder the mind-boggling strength of idea shape the course of human civilisation.  Despite the doom and gloom, ‘Baby Boomers’, let’s make strides to protect the future wellbeing of the ‘Millennials’.

So if you have this phobia take a chill pill, break out of your shell, interact and share, meet new people, make new friends, be positive always and bury the phobia forever.

Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College. The editors are Dr Hewasa Lorin, Tatongkala Pongen, Aniruddha, Meren and Kvulo Lorin.
For feedback or comments please email:  dot@tetsocollege.org.

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