Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Corruption - Let's Chuck it

Are not systems in some countries, top to bottom, heavily dependent on somethings extra outside of the regular process, along with the “chalta hai “attitude? 

Instead of this being a deviation, these extras are so deep ingrained in the system that they have secured their deep-rooted place in the normal process and no one, us included, think them as not normal.  I shudder to think how commonplace and usual it has become to pay small extras or big kickbacks to get something done -not triggering the slightest bit of repentance in the giver and receiver’s mind at all. In fact, it is commonplace that without those tit-bits, tips or out-of-the-way service charges, things won’t move at all and they are part of the overall plan to get something done.

While most of us think and talk about it with disdain, we do take resort to these practices someway or other in the increasingly crunched lifestyle bereft of time we have it for ourselves- to do our own work.  I do believe that until and unless requirements and processes have been made simple enough and electronically accessible, this crap can’t be cut however much we protest against them.  There is an urgent need of removing the human intervention and the processes need to be driven in self help mode that is reachable anywhere and everywhere- just like in more developed countries.  If people do not need to stand in the queue for filling up a form or getting document delivered or do not need to physically run around for mundane jobs – costs according to me to get something done, I strongly believe these evil practices will be gone out of the window in a significant way.

Cost (mainly in terms of time and hassle and not the actual fee/money) of getting something done has to be less than the cost (actual money paid) of the bribe – this is the only succor to the problem at hand.

IT thing happened to India. With all the other benefits that India as a country has achieved, I also see this as something that prevented a bulk of populace of the current working generation from taking bribe- am assuming here that we, the IT folks, have not resorted to these practices.


I do not want to sound pessimistic as I see changes are in the offing- electronic stamp paper being one of the many.  While more and more people like you and me – the common people are taking interest and getting involved in main stream politicking, corrupt people have taken a note of the fact that escape routes are slowly and surely being plugged and the remaining ones will soon be buried.  The changes in terms of systems and processes are happening but need to gather momentum.  Let’s put all effort,with resolve and determination, not to yield for these extras to get something done in a hurry – easier said than done. 

28 comments:

  1. C for Chuck Corruption - Nailed it!

    ~S(t)ri
    Participant|AtoZ Challenge 2014
    Smile, it makes (y)our day!

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  2. Seriously Sick of this "chalta hai" attitude! :(

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    1. Thanks. Let's try to get rid of it as much as possible :-).

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  3. I have thought so much about this that now my headaches when I even try thinking about it...Can't find the answers unfortunately!

    Random Thoughts Naba

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    1. Hi Naba, I agree. It is changing slowly though and some more systemic changes will propel the clean-up further. Hope you agree.

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  4. Good one, and a wonderful timely post. Yes, earning under the table is something that we have to chuck :D

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  5. Every step taken towards elimination of this corruption that has corrupted our lives is a small win.

    Ishithaa
    #AtoZChallenge

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    1. Thanks. Every small win is a win on this path.

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  6. Jayanta, important topic indeed. You may like to read this article written by someone I know. Makes us think, for sure. http://sankrant.org/2004/03/are-indians-corrupt/

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    1. Hi Beloo, Thanks for sharing the other link. I do agree our issue is more systemic rather individual. That's why I have also said reduction of manual touch points and increase of e-transactions will surely help. Hope you agree.

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  7. C for Corruption....
    Most relevant in today's times

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    1. Thanks, Ma'm. Thanks for your time on my post. Look forward to your support in future posts as well.

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  8. A corruption free country... guess that's a never-gonna-happen scenario...

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    1. Hi, While I agree with the end state, but things are changing for a better world and country. Hope you agree there :-).

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  9. Seems like even though we're in different countries, corruption is rife in both. Here in South Africa, it'snot just in the upper echeloens of politics and business; even in small ways, there is corruption. The politicians keep promising to fight it, but the people who get caught only get a slap on the wrist. For example, an investigation recently showed that government unlawfully used over R240million ($US32million) to upgrade President Jacob Zuma's house and that he should repay some of the money back. Others are even calling for his impeachment. And you know what? He's ignoring the whole thing. Or so it seems to me, with his failure to explain how something so wrong could happen in his own house, in his watch.
    It's saddening, sometimes.

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    1. Hi, The problems are similar in all developing countries...I am not surprised. One way against these that I can think of is common people taking cognizance of the facts and voice them out. It is a slow process though. Thanks for your time on my post.

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  10. But at times this time is money. And officials know it, so corruption is really not about patience I believe it is about getting them caught!

    Richa

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    1. Yes, time indeed is money and that's why cost associated with getting something done is huge in current set-up. With automation and electronic systems, issue with time will be greatly reduced. Now there are e-agreements rolled out in 12 states in India. People can get 14 schedules out of 54 done electronically at their own time. Same with property tax payments or tax filling. We need more of these so that we can cut down on human intervention in the processes. Otherwise jails will be filled-in, this menace will not go. Thanks again for your visit here. Really appreciated. I left my url in your post as per your instructions. Could you please tag it there :-) ?

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  11. Very interesting post today also Jayanta:-) I am learning a lot about India through this challenge in general and through your posts in particular:-) Thanks :-)

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  12. How soon this will be achieved is a measure of the common man's need to root out corruption at his level. But, I agree. It is the growing need of the hour.

    My post here: Shailaja

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    1. Thanks, Shailaja for your thoughtful comment. Appreciate your time on my post.

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  13. Hi Jayanta,
    You brought out a very serious issue here,
    I appreciate your analysis, yes, the advancement of electronic equipment can curtain this phenomenon in a measure, But it looks like it is a deep rooted malady in our Indian system or culture, But one thing to note here is that the so called developed countries, or as you said 'more developed countries" are not far behind for corruption, the recent reports says that they are not less than we are, though it is not that visible immediately it is more prevalent in these developed countries too.
    Thanks for this share
    Thanks for dropping by
    Best
    ~ Philip

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    1. Thanks, Philip. for your comments. Yes, it is indeed an issue in every country - might be the scale, level differ. Thanks again.

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  14. corruption = cancer. i hope one day a cure is found and nobel prize is awarded to the group/person who discovers the cure. but i will make a start for the cure.
    all the best for remaining atoz challenges.

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    1. Thanks, Amar for visiting my blog after quite some time :-). I see this as an issue of systems, mentality, economic condition all together...We are surely making progress though.

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  15. C-Corruption, and make sure that E-Eradicate Corruption...
    You have rightly said, corruption is a big problem in India and we all need to actively participate in eradicating this.

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    1. Thanks a lot for stopping by. Unfortunately I have written E for Engaging in Governance :-(.

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