Editor,
On July 16, 2011, Governor R Mooshahary said something very interesting regarding the Lokpal Bill. It was at the launch of the new Bengali newspaper, Sangbad Lahari. When he commented upon the apparent social commitment of politicians compared to bureaucrats, I was intrigued. Government officers are supposed to be the steel frame of our political system (whatever this is!). I find it very disturbing that they are often held unaccountable for a lot of bad policy planning and seemingly whimsical administrative decisions. It is very easy to blame only ministers but, we all know, many government officials are not free of “taint” either. But we generally forget about them; they largely go unnoticed perhaps because we didn’t have to elect them; they were chosen on our behalf. In reality, many are not as equipped for governance as we like to believe. It is a little unfair as well, I personally feel, to expect people to be ready for the serious task of ruling based on the results of a single exam and a few months of training.
Ministers can be held accountable for mistakes (Yeddyurappa knows that better than most) but perhaps we have let a lot of officials under the radar merely because they are not in the public eye. We have let them enact policies which maintain power imbalances with impunity. Here, in this state, they have been courted and befriended by a few “landed” families. Is it any wonder then, why some people have so much and others are not allowed to reach out on their own? Being government dependent allows for this imbalance to continue. Why would you bite the hand that feeds after all? And does it matter that the same hand also ties the chain and collar around our throats? There is a huge gap in power sharing in this country. That is the disturbing reality of our world today. Dissolution of power is something that is constitutionally recognised (look it up). Why else would the Panchayati Raj and our own K.H.A.D.C even exist?
A recent interaction between young college-goers and Youth4Change reveals a dangerous trend. Most of the youths interviewed are either indifferent to politics or seem to have lost faith in a government they don’t seem to have a stake in. How does the government counter this? Then again is it in the best interests of dynastic politics that they rectify this? It seems very bleak. However, one shining light amidst all of this is knowledge. People – ordinary people with no fancy degrees or expensive educations – are now latching onto institutions like the RTI and droves of rational, critical activists are finding new innovative ways to reach out to the downtrodden and the forgotten. The internet too has done its share and amazingly so. Even with our limited penetration, it has allowed for networks to grow across geographic boundaries and unite many in solidarity. It is very hard to keep out ideas this way and it is these ideas that will challenge the hegemony that exists right now. Our own organisation, for example, has connected with kindred human beings far and wide through this medium. Each member in our little fellowship seems drawn by a common goal – the actual implementation of democratic ideals which so many government people talk about at length.
Which brings us to another point. Aren’t we tired of speeches? I mean what do they really get done? Personally, I have often found it amusing (more disturbing though) that so many people know very little about what a particular government scheme or plan is all about. After the initial fervour surrounding the inauguration, many things are forgotten. After all let’s face it, who cares who inaugurated it and when? (Break down all the foundation stones, I say) What does it do for me? What does it do for my family and community? These are the questions people are more concerned with. Implementation is the key word here, and frankly, the follow-through after the opening ceremonies is not consistent. Don’t take my word for it. Google about the amount of “scheme money” that goes unused yearly.
A common defence against such criticism is to say “But our people are like this”, “They’re too set in their ways” and so on. My response during such instances is a simple one. I often ask – “Sir/madam, if you can “rise” above such things and become the “elevated” person you are today, why can’t they?” Think about it! If there was real equality, what makes the case of their success so special? And if there is no equality, shouldn’t these authorities/officials actually be looking at the reasons why the power/knowledge gulf exists? Many imbalances are predicated upon ridiculous suppositions such as this.
I like Mr. Mooshahary. From what I read and hear he seems to be one for long term solutions. A few of us should have tea at my house and have a chat. After all, why can’t you have a chat with your government representatives? Why can’t you approach them and share grievance or praise with them personally? We need to realise (and make them realise) that they are people just like us! Democracy will never work if it is one way, it has to be interactive. The role of the government official is not to run our lives but to implement conditions in the quest for human development. Please don’t forget this.
Yours etc.,
Avner Pariat ,
Member Youth4Change,
Shillong