By Albert Thyrniang
Understanding the essence of culture
One of the simplest definitions of culture is that is it a way of life. A way of life implies the manner in which one lives. It directly denotes that something is done regularly and habitually because one believes that action or activity is beneficial. So when we speak of a good work culture we simply mean people have the habit of being punctual and regular for work. When we refer to study culture we mean students study regularly throughout the year and not just before and during examinations. If a good work and study culture exists it is because a belief or a conviction has been inculcated in that group of people. Good work culture and study culture are no doubt beneficial.
If a good work and study culture is beneficial their absence produces the opposite effects. We Meghalayans have seen unsatisfactory SSLC results over the years. Perhaps, the main reason is the lack of work and study culture. We know the state’s teachers neglect their duties and the community has not been able to impart a study culture in the student community leading to disappointing results year after year. The state does not boast of a good work culture, particularly in government offices. This results in the failure to defeat backwardness and poverty.The major reason for lack of development and progress in the third world is the absence of work culture and the creeping in of unhealthy habits, corrupt practices to be precise. So in underdeveloped or developing countries you will invariably find high levels of corruption. Corruption has become a way of life. Earning through sincere and hard work has given way to earning through quick means. In these countries education too is on the lower side because an atmosphere of study culture is wanting. India finds itself poor and backward with a high corruption perception index while countries like Japan and South Korea have defeated extreme poverty and although ravaged by wars only because they have a culture of industry and intolerance to corruption.
Scams in 3 ADCs
Since the beginning of this month allegations of multi-crore scams in the Khasi Hills Autonomous Council (KHADC), Garo Hills Autonomous Council (GHADC) and Jaintia Hills Autonomous Council (JHADC) have dominated the state. The BJP in Khasi-Jaintia and Garo Hills have levelled serious charges of malpractices in the three councils run by the NPP by misusing the Special Assistance Grant Scheme from the central government.
As per the allegations, the Executive Committee of JHADC diverted Rs 20 crore to pay salaries to employees violating the Niti Aayog guidelines that state that the funds were specifically meant for developmental works. Against KHADC the saffron party alleges that 85 percent of work claimed to have been completed for a museum costing Rs 4.15 crore at Sunny Hills is nowhere to be found. The most serious allegations are against GHADC bosses. Besides the Rs 5.28 crore for making untendered documentaries, the scams include exorbitant rates for film making and radio jingles, ghost roads, bridges and footpaths, duplication of projects and high quotations for repairs of buildings. The allegations indict the Sangma brothers, CM Conrad Sangma and Cabinet minister, James Sangma for ‘enrolling’ close relatives as contractors who have benefitted from the scams for non-existent or incomplete construction.
Why is BJP still part of MDA?
The BJP which has exposed the wrongdoings has been demanding CBI probe into the alleged embezzlement in the three councils while confessing that it cannot tolerate corruption. But is the party which is a partner of the NPP at the state and ADC levels sincere in its intent? Or is it just a political gimmick? Is it merely to command a moral high ground to face the elections due for September-October or later if postponed? Will it remain steadfast in its demand for a CBI inquiry? Will the party succeed in impressing on its masters in Delhi to let the central agency enquire into the colossal scams in all the three major regions in the state? If it does not tolerate corruption why it is that it has not severed ties with the ‘scammer’ NPP at the state level? Will we see action beyond the ‘salvos’?
The NPP, the principal accused does not seem to be too embarrassed and shocked. The state chief, WR Kharlukhi, the lone Rajya Sabha member who took oath recently sees no merit in the allegations branding it unsubstantiated and unverified and ridiculing the decision of his BJP’s counterpart, Ernest Mawrie for going to the press as a publicity stunt. The lukewarm attitude on the raging issue is complete when Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma was non-committal on ordering a CBI inquiry making a mere ‘we will see’ statement.
Where does UDP stand?
UDP, the major partner in the MDA government too is not enthusiastic in tackling corruption in ADCs head on. Its interim head and former Deputy Chief Minister, Bindo M Lanong agrees with the demand for CBI investigation only on condition that the term of reference extends to the two previous terms of the ADCs controlled by the now Opposition, Congress. Does it mean that the present ‘thieves’ can go scot free even if the ‘burglars’ of 10/15 years ago are not caught?
Is Congress serious about addressing corruption?
This brings us to the grand old party! The former Chief Minister and present Opposition leader, Mukul Sangma half-heartedly approached the Governor seeking his intervention to institute an independent probe and also demanded that the GHADC be brought under Administrator’s Rule. The Congress response betrays credibility. The previous terms of ADCs under the Congress were under the scanner for massive corruption allegations running to several crores. RTI findings revealed that lakhs of rupees out of Council’s schemes were siphoned off for personal gain. Bribes were allegedly taken from bidders for council gates and illegal traders. An inquiry was ordered by the state government to go into the scam but the report of the one-man Judicial Inquiry Commission has gathered dust. Financial mismanagement was to the point of the GHADC reaching bankruptcy and resulting in the inability of the Council to clear pending salaries of the Council’s employees up to this day.
NPP backslides on promise of clean governance
Coming back to the NPP when the party won the GHADC election in 2015 amid blatant corruption perception in the Congress and its controversial extensions, the then supremo (now deceased) had promised a clean administration in the tainted GHADC. He also assured a probe into the corruption charges against the men who ran the previous Council. This writer wrote a piece soon after the elections and had this to say, “Persons like me see only an iceberg in how politics works in our State and can confidently say that clean governance is still a distant dream. Restoring the dignity and image of the House which was badly tarnished will be a herculean task.” ‘Proudly’ the NPP has proved my prediction right. Scams under NPP might be even bigger than under Congress rule.
Time to jettison ADCs or bring in Ant-defection law
The editorial on September 15 reminded the readers that the District Councils were created by the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution to enable the tribals in the then Assam state to protect their culture, tradition, language, customary laws and practices. The ADCs may work to protect, preserve and promote culture in term of dresses, dances, songs, folklores, languages and customary laws. But are they promoting the values or eroding them? What is the point in dressing well when we are devoid of values? What is the merit in the magnificent and colourful attires, the elegant and graceful steps, the proud and nationalistic songs and folklores, the unique and distinctive customary laws and adages, the advanced languages and literature when we are bereft of values, principles and ethics? Are the ADCs promoting culture or corruption?
One of the characteristics of tribes is simplicity and honesty. Have we lost them? Another salient feature of tribal culture is hard work. You cannot but admire the hard work of tribes engaged in their traditional cultivation. It requires non-stop work throughout the year. Bread is earned by the sweat of one’s brow. Is that quality gone? The ADCs which are supposed to be custodians of culture and tradition are imparting counter values of corruption and illegal practices to attain wealth. This is enough reason for the ADCs to be abolished.
One prerequisite condition is a must for the ADC’s existence and relevance! The Anti-Defection law must be made applicable to the ADCs. Why should the ADCs be untouched by the law? The exemption is an open invitation to corruption and a legal disregard for ideology and loyalty and a blatant betrayal of the will and a mockery of the mandate of the people. We have seen time and again ugly free switching of parties of elected councillors. Invariably, the party/parties that is/are in power in the state also run the ADCs. The Anti-Defection law has to be embraced by the ADCs if they are committed to any value system and wish to remain ‘autonomous’ and ‘traditional’ bodies. As of now ADCs seem to be ‘anti-culture’ and pro corruption!
(Email: [email protected])