Much has been said and written about the high handedness of public servants, supplemented by the honourable chief minister who went on record and boldly confessed “There are some departments that over the years have got corroded…” Well, the matter does not rest there. We all admit there is a problem. Unfortunately no one in particular is much interested in dealing with this predicament. Such a fatalistic approach seems undoubtedly to be of little help.
So, why are we plagued with corruption is the primary enquiry. As we wallow in this maze of reasons and in self pity, do we wonder whether the scenario is any different elsewhere? An international study (a Berlin-based global non-profit group) has revealed that more than half of the world’s people believe global corruption has worsened over the past two years. There’s a Chinese saying that propagates “kill the chicken to scare the monkey” seems to do the trick. Nonetheless, China is not corruption free, neither is India, which has been ranked lower in corruption than neighboring Pakistan but higher than China, India was ranked 94th out of 176 countries…!!
In terms of cities and states, a website against corruption namely ipaidbribe.com issued a report stating Bengaluru, is the most corrupt city of India. While the state-by-state survey by Transparency International India and the Centre for Media Studies, New Delhi places four Indian states in its “Alarmingly Corrupt” category. The four states are Jammu and Kashmir, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. As for Goa, the less said the better it is….
So apart from blaming the inherent systemic issues, are we not party to crime, are we not the ones who rather pay the bribe and close the matter. Are we not the ones who mutely pamper the public servants and who we permit to boss over us rather than serve us? Are we not the ones who seek out shortcuts, and escape routes and above all are we not ignorant of our rights?
So what is the solution? Studies have recommended innumerable means and measures to deal with the menace.
But, I personally believe the ‘work culture’ plays an important role. Having strong determined and ethical leaders at the helm of affairs also serves as major influencers. We need to reboot the existing system in the organizations, where the focus should shift from perks and privileges to responsibilities and accountability. What is vexing is when you are compelled to visit these government organizations, very rarely will you come across personnel who are earnest and ready to help. Arrogance, conceit and egoism seem to be order of the day. Cases of vigilant members of the public exposing corrupt personnel are uncommon and far apart. Yet, this is something which we need to emulate to keep these officials on their toes.
The ball is in our court and we sit and stare at it wide eyed!
