By K.L.Tariang
In the news item “Media can play a crucial role in exposing corruption ” (ST Nov 16, 2014) it was reported that the Chief Minister Mukul Sangma stated that the people have a tendency to close their eyes to corrupt practices and hence the primary role of the media is to expose the corrupt practices . Well said, as usual . When one speaks about corruption, those that take place in the government usually gain more public attention than those in the corporate bodies and private institutions and such attention is obvious at the state level ,the national level and at the international level. This is because of the public stake in government spending. By and large people also do not close their eyes to corruptions and they are usually the source of such information for the media which further expose it.
For instance the corruptions in some government programs in the state’s rural areas are brought to the attention of the media by some of the stake holders themselves and the urban population ultimately comes to know about these from the media . It is also seen that the media in the state have exposed corruption in other areas too and from whatever sources available. After all , these are sensational news which are palatable to the public. In fact, the print media especially has often reported on the many cases of corruption in the state and people have read enough of them but are now indifferent because of the inertness of successive governments to act upon such reports.
‘The people may be confounded because of the seemingly selective decision of the government to take action in certain instances though according to their assessments all forms of corruptions are one and the same and all those involved are to be equally punished. While it cannot be certain as to how far the media report on corruption in the state is a result of thorough investigative reporting but whatever has been reported would be sufficient to trigger actions by the government and show results. This will surely build the confidence of the people on the government and encourage them to open their eyes wide on corrupt practices.
In the same news item it was reported that the Chief Minister also stated that District Planning and Development Committees and even the Planning Board have become redundant Institutions .That is indeed a frank admission But the public have from a long time been well aware about the redundancy of not only these two institutions but of many other institutions or bodies created by the government whose purpose is hardly meant for the public interest but more for the interest of political comrades. Now if the Chief Minister feels that these Institutions have become redundant it will be sensible therefore to dismantle them. The well established Planning Commission of India is found to be redundant by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who dismantled it within five months after assuming office . This shows that where there is a will there is a way. It also calls for courageous action. Hope our Chief Minister also has the will and courage to do likewise.
The news item also reported that the Chief Minister appreciated that the ‘Letters to the Editor” are expressions of genuine grievances of the people and ought to be addressed diligently by the government. Thousands of such letters were published down the years by the Shillong Times especially and most of these letters come from people from different walks of life. These letters articulately address matters of public concerns with intelligent observations and worthy suggestions which mostly call for government interventions. The general opinion, however, is that these letters are hardly read by those concerned in the government or are perhaps simply brushed aside as irritants. In fact, it is doubtful if those in the opposition ever read these letters because as far as I remember none of the issues raised in these letters are being discussed in the Assembly . Precious public opinions thus end up in the wastepaper baskets. It would be good if the Chief Minister advises his Ministers and others in the government to pay heed to these letters.
“Action speaks louder than words,” is an adage we have learnt since our school days and one cannot doubt that this old adage will continue to be impressed in the minds and hearts of every citizen young or old worldwide and for perpetuity. Indeed , men or women of action are always admired and when they courageously act for the good of many , they will not only be held in high esteem in society but will be remembered for long. On the other hand, a person who is classed as being all words sans action will ultimately attract public displeasure that will come close to disdain and contempt although the person will be kept in good humour while he or she is in a position of authority.
After that it will be oblivion. After all, people will not be naïve throughout as one expects them to be .