Corruption is a complex social, political and economic phenomenon that affects all countries undermining democratic institutions, slows economic development and contributes to governmental instability, the United Nations stated on the occasion International Anti-Corruption Day, December 9. It attacks the foundation of democratic institutions by distorting electoral processes, perverting the rule of law and creating bureaucratic quagmires whose only reason for existing is the soliciting of bribes, it noted. It is a serious crime that undermines “social and economic development in all societies and “no country, region or community is immune.” Elsewhere, the World Economic Forum estimated that every year $1 trillion is paid in bribes while an estimated $2.6 trillion are stolen annually through corruption – a sum equivalent to more than 5 per cent of the global GDP. However, anywhere it is the poorest and most vulnerable in society that is hit the hardest. The ordinary citizens who suffer most when the corrupt steal funds intended for public services like infrastructure, healthcare and education, or take back-handers to award lucrative contracts to their cronies, Transparency International noted, stating one in four people around the world say they have had to pay a bribe to access public services in the past twelve months. Nagas have recognised corruption – as a vice which is both institutionalised and endemic in the society. Despite crying hoarse over these epidemics, however, they don’t hesitate to follow the same and regularly fall under its spell, whenever opportunities arise – an acute ‘Stockholm Syndrome,’ for corruption. Its pervasiveness is multi-dimensional nature and thriving in Nagaland State due to government inaction at all levels as the annual CAG report would attest. Complemented with selective amnesia and general apathy, the ‘vicious cycle’ of regenerative corruption lingers and the state becomes a fertile ground it to thrive unabated. Recurring rhetoric and feeble attempts, notwithstanding. Some argue that it is one of the most profitable enterprises in Nagaland. We concur with an additional assertion - it is most ‘sustainable’ as well. Any act of corruption is undertaken not only with the one’s immediate needs in mind but ensuring a future for someone– at least to a generation. In such a scenario, policy making has been monopolized by the elite class, many argue. “Even where the policy is suitable for the common good, the system has been hijacked by the entrenched vested interests so much so that nepotism and back door appointments, rather than merit, has become the norm of the day.” Studies have shown that fighting corruption from “above,” implying that the members of the ruling elite themselves set an example by changing their behaviour beyond the rhetorical level have been successful in curbing corruption. High-level public officials—have served as role models, Persson et al also noted in a study. Patricia Moreira, the managing director of Transparency International said corruption can be fought effectively must be tackled from different angles. For example, she said that while it is important to have the right legislation in place to curb corruption, governments must also have mechanisms to enforce that legislation and show that there are results. Transparency International calls for ‘The Power of People’s Pressure’ maintaining when ordinary people fight back, they can make a real difference. In a state where every event is ‘observe’ along with the rest of India or World,’ the day went by without a whisper – neither from the top nor the bottom nor in the middle. “Corruption begets more corruption, and fosters a corrosive culture of impunity, UN Secretary-General,” stated António Guterres in the day. The most challenging obligation for every ‘right thinking citizens’ is to stop its spawning.
