Moa Jamir
In a common lexicon definition, gratuitous have two connotations – firstly denoting something done without any good reason or justification; and secondly something given or done free of charge.
In the ‘one-sided marriage’ between the Government of Nagaland and its employees, both the meanings are appositely applicable.
The non-payment of salary to government employees which crops up at regular interval is aptly illustrative. While the employees ‘gratuitously’ give their services, the government keeps withholding the salary without any ample justification.
Relationship theorist or any agony columns will exactly diagnose the most common case of bad marriage or a one-sided relationship where an individual gets trapped in such a process out of sheer haplessness and desperation, though gravely aware of the situation one is stuck with.
The other partner slyly takes advantage of the situation and tries to exploit it to the hilt. It mentally vexes the individuals, strain them physically and adversely affects their societal relations.
In popular culture, numerous books, films and songs have explored the concept. In 2009, Lady Gaga in "Bad Romance" explored such circumstances and crooned all the way to a Grammy Award.
Theoretically, treatise on ethical relationship will employ the term as a “basic and trustworthy relationship” one shares with another human being devoid of “any abstraction other than trust and common protection of each other's body.” Others speak about each entities constantly creating spaces that value their own as well as other’s well-being based on “humanness and mutual responsibilities towards each other.”
In the context of business ethics, employment is considered as a “legal link or contract” forged between an employee and an employer with responsibilities and duties towards each other. Both ethically honouring each other’s duties and responsibilities to ensure compatibility and cementing the bond. It works when both the parties are considered stakeholders and key ethics principles and values “guide the structures, procedures, decision making, etc. within the organisation.” Accountability, transparency, integrity, trust and commitment are some ethical ingredients that strike one’s mind immediately.
In Nagaland, such relationship is missing between the government and its employees. Driven to the wall, the latter voice out in despair through strikes, protest or ultimatum. The former acutely aware of the upper hand it enjoys in the relationship, brokers a temporary truce, only to revert to the usual waywardness afterwards - the one at the other end too powerless to turn the wheel in its favour.
However, the same goes for relation between government employees and common people, where the yoke of one-sidedness trickle down shackling down the whole state of affairs to a perpetual affliction.
Who will resuscitate the marriage?
For any comment, drop a line to moajamir@live.com
