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Front Page >> Editorials > Story

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Many Faces Of Corruption
That the people of Manipur are sick and tired of corruption need not be stressed here and if anyone wants any proof we just have to recollect that the numerous social organizations, while appealing for the release of the five persons held by the KYKL on corruption charges, not for once condoned the behavior of the five men. In fact the appeals for release were also marked by a sincere appreciation of the drive taken up by the outfit against corruption. This is all very fine but we feel it is also time the Government looks at the other faces of corruption which is not only about bribery and money changing hands under the table. 

The other faces of corruption which are far removed from bribery and siphoning off public funds but which nonetheless have had an adverse impact on society range from the innocuous culture of cheating the customers to the huge amount of money being splurged on each and every general election by the candidates and the political parties to woo and buy voters. Another ill dogging society and which ironically is practiced to perfection by the women folks are the faulty measures that the fish vendors use at Khwairamband bazaar. 

We may also add the ‘contacts,’ that each and every one of us, once in a while employ for getting ‘things done’ to the list of ‘corruption.’ How about food adulteration, fuel adulteration and the myriad other irregularities committed by Government agencies and private business walas? Corruption today has come to assume many forms and in carrying out any drive against this social and economic ill, we need to be sure of what exactly constitute corruption or else the very purpose of that drive will fall flat on its face.

The task ahead each one of us is cumbersome and it will take more than the fear of the gun to fight this scourge. Make no mistake, corruption can be fought effectively only when society as a whole try to usher in some change voluntarily and not under the diktats of someone or some organization, though any drive taken up by any organization is always welcome. We also need to take care and see that in fighting corruption or any social ills, it does not give rise to more unwanted situation which will make the people suffer more. 

Very often we see that corruption thrives in lawless place where people just do not respect the rule of law. And when we talk about the law of the land we do not strictly mean the law as interpreted legally but about universal human laws, where everything should be done in a free and fair manner. So wide spread has corruption become today, that it is synonymous not only with the high ranking officers but also with the clerical grade employees. The extent and level may differ but it is there in every spectrum of the Manipuri society. If a voter in need of money takes the amount offered by a candidate during election time then the particular voter has also unwittingly contributed his mite in keeping the corruption wheel turning. 

So from accepting and giving bribes to high level officers, to cheating the customer in the fish market, all these constitute the many faces of corruption, and if we may add, the fight against corruption has to be taken up from the highest level to the lowest and to do this the involvement of all is required. And definitely this is a tall order but not altogether impossible.

(Courtesy: The Sangai Express)

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