Relevant democratic weapons should be used to crush corruption. (Illustration by Sandemo Ngullie: For representational purposes only)
Arentula Yaden*
The word 'corruption" comes from the Latin word 'corruptus', meaning 'mar', 'bribe,’ or 'destroy'. It is, therefore, defined as the dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power typically involving bribery. Corruption is as old as human history and it is prevalent in our society in every facet of life.
Though the State of Nagaland was not listed in the top of the corruption chart in India in the corruption survey conducted by the Local Circles and the Transparency International India in the year 2019, corruption has become rampant in the state. There is corruption everywhere in the state in such a way that it has become the way of life; and people no longer are shocked by its exposures. The Parliament of India gave its citizens a weapon to fight against corruption by passing, 'Right To Information Act 2005', and the social activists of the state exposed scams through RTI petitions. Sadly, offenders are unlikely to be caught and punished as corruption has found its way to every cell of our government.
The economy of Nagaland is fully dependent on the Central Government funds. The State cannot sustain on its own. Despite this fact, the embezzlement of these funds, irresistibly, is an order of the day. For decades, the State financial plan presents deficit budgets. The root cause of this saddening financial drought is corruption. The whole region of Nagaland is plagued by corruption. From the grass root level to the top ranking government officials, there are misuses of power and funds. If only the revenues were utilised appropriately, our State wouldn't be in such a pathetic condition.
The majestic buildings and properties of politicians and bureaucrats, favouritism within tribes and clans, electoral frauds, etc are monumental proof that corruption is rampant in the Naga society. A corrupt society has no sense of morality. Hence, it is high time we voice out against corruption for our better tomorrow. In order to free the society from the tentacles of corruption, disclosure campaigns should be initiated by those who are fearless, honest and ready to sacrifice. Relevant democratic weapons should be used to crush the fraudsters by bringing them under the applicable laws of punishment.
This essay is purely a reflection of thoughts as per the observation of a student. In no way does it reflect the opinion of the school.
* The writer is a student of Class - 12 D, Ministers' Hill Baptist Higher Secondary School, Kohima. The above essay has been adjudged the first prize winner of an essay competition organised by the School on the topic "Corruption and Nagaland" (300 words) on the occasion of the International Corruption Day, December 9. The competition was organised for Class X to XII students, giving them an opportunity to write on what they observe when they look into the various sphere of human activities in Nagaland vis-a-vis the prevailing corruption. (MHHSS)
