After 75 years since Independence the reserved categories overshadows the deserved. Education and jobs in a level playing field, fearless open debate, toleration of criticism and change in mindset are a far cry. Terrorising in the name of law and order and national security by bulldozer justice is driving the less privileged families to not only loss of residence but loss of jobs and right to life! The directed top down approach “to teach a lesson” to those dissenting labelled as
professional rioters/urban naxals comes loaded with assumptions, prejudices and the policy of dominance! Why does the law drag its feet and why are those with criminal records in responsible positions? What is the use of elections if those elected defect/ switch sides at their convenience?
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There is a VIP culture and tendency of being a law unto themselves. An Investment Promotion Board which can dictatorially negate all environment protection and dilute many other laws, controlling the statutory and local bodies in our democracy is dangerous for “we the people”. Delhi has become a concrete jungle and gas chamber. We must not permit frantic “development” with resultant Bengaluru or Tamil Nadu type floods! With confrontation between the executive and judiciary, dismantling of built in administrative check and balances, what type of democracy are we building?
The Presidential pomp of exclusive horse mounted escort persists, prominent police, security, ADCs, bearer holding a ceremonial umbrella and other unnecessary paraphernalia, repeated to a lesser degree with Governors and CMs, down the line to ministers in luxury vehicles, their convoys, grand accommodation and perks, salaries and pensions decided by and for themselves with absolutely free services. Does our democracy permit unaccountable government authorities to splurge public funds, behave like aristocracy and rule citizens in this fashion? Our Constitution guarantees equality before the law to every citizen rich or poor, irrespective of caste, creed or sex; why give lip service and brazenly violate by prejudicial communal outrages and religious intolerance?
This appears increasingly encouraged under government patronage. Police excesses, political obfuscation and public growing propensity for violence have become part and parcel of daily life where social engineering is taking place!
Social reforms take time, but when fast progressing technology and science with knowledge explosion is in progress, reforms must keep pace! Will Omicron or politicians disrupt activities or New Year celebrations? Goa has in the past held “Difficult Dialogues” where learned minds and people from all walks of life including students debated the much needed changes required. Reluctant government will have to be persuaded to free their stranglehold and interference in implementation of law and enforcement. Why are we stuck with time consuming
judicial systems, not freeing the “caged parrots”, delays and politics in appointments of judges, Lok Pal/Ayuktyas, Information Commissioners, implementing vital police force reforms with changed mindset and oriented towards constitutional public protection prioritised? Difficult with centralised narratives and bulldozing legislatures!
The ruling party holds all the aces and comparatively politically acts with impressive speed. Despite major tragedy, massive corruption in suspension bridge collapse in Gujarat and dissatisfaction with governance, the popularity of the PM, targeted “welfare measures”, party power, family ties, pandering to caste and religious factors have people voting the party in with thumping majority! Congress appears a disorganised secular BJP and BJP has proved to be an organised saffroned Congress. Citizens are therefore looking for alternatives. The elected AAP government in Delhi has their hands full fighting off the Lt Governor and BJP plus Congress to implement their plans and perhaps some of their actions and decisions have not been covered in glory.
The divided opposition has not realised a new world order is emerging! The Indian electorate has to get involved proactively and dialogue to come up with fitting solutions to enable tackle their own burning questions, which nobody seems inclined to solve. Night clubs, restaurants, open air parties and shacks along Goa’s beach coastline belting loud music after 10 pm as prohibited by law was never practically implemented only until recently after the High Court had to order the authorities to take action as per law and prevent illegal activities! Sounds that rise above 30 decibels can have major devastating impact not only on humans but also animals, birds and marine life. Why can the government authorities and the police not implement laws with impunity?
India has the presidency of the G-20 nations at a critical time and is becoming a rising world power. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha the PM said, “India will play a role in giving directions to the world”. At the all party meet the Opposition reminded the PM that we have held summits like NAM attended by 100 nations, CHOGM by 42 nations and cautioned that not uniformity of the global family but social plurality, all diversities on the basis of equality and dignity must prevail. Man does not live by bread alone. Whatever the reason, war and violence cannot decide who is right but only who is left!
The failure of the UNO proves there is scant respect for international law.
As we set out to reform the world, it is wise to prioritise our own burning questions so there dawns realistic unity in diversity in a peaceful, lawful happy strong nation, where true democracy with freedom of expression, broadmindedness, less arrogance and respect for the opposition ensures justice equally for all; honest “vasudhaiva kutumbakam”!
(The author is a retired naval officer, freelance writer resident in
Porvorim)
