Kevitsoto Stephen Chasie
Chümoukedima
There is a great call to make a clean India, to eradicate corruption and make a new India, to propel India into its superpowerdom. Myriads of programmes come as a parcel to that call and even in this preventive vigilance week, the whole of India is actively participating. Nevertheless, India is too big a topic. Let's come to Nagaland. And further narrow things down to few specifics say this preventive vigilance week from 29.10.2018 to 03.11.2018.
How do we Nagas see corruption? Are we making any progress in rooting it out? Are we able to see our selfishness and selfish motives in our conducts, our lifestyles and even in our thoughts? Kaka Iralu even pointed out the exorbitant rates of necessities in the urban areas of Nagaland in his article October 28.
Are we in even in a position to be on vigil? There are about 140 schemes coming under DBT (direct benefit transfer) scheme. Schemes like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee (MGNREGA), National Social Assistance Programme - where Old Age Pension, widow and disability pension scheme are covered, Pahal for LPG Subsidy, Integrated Child Development Scheme, and so on, come under DBT scheme. But even now Nagaland is still gruelling in transferring many of these benefits by cash when everyone knows how easy it is to swindle in such cases. For that matter our very neighbour, Manipur has stopped cash benefits from September 2017.
Let me tell you. Corruption is not just bribery, not just giving and receiving money. But corruption is also when the processes and procedures are compromised. Is there anyone to raise her/his voice or is it somebody's business or is your voice muffled by your own vice? Such assistance comes from our money, the tax payer’s money. And we as citizens should be concerned about where our money goes. Oh! I forgot to mention we don't pay tax. Section 20(6) of Income tax act has exempted us from doing so. In short, it's free lunch. We don't feel the pinch. We don't care.
The honest are made to play second fiddle. Money is worshipped to its zenith.
The roads are the most visible signs of development. I stop here for the musers.
Come let us be aware, let us stop chai Pani Business. If need be, use RTI to expose the tenaciously wayward. Say no to evil and yes to righteousness.
We must know that the week is not the issue but integrity is in question here. Christian state; if it is really a Christian state, cannot stoop to such a low estate. Before punition comes participation and before participation comes prevention. It is every individual's duty to be aware and stop corruption beforehand.
