Kopelo Krome
The recent stories being carried out in the newspapers about the fares charged by the Taxis is very unbecoming of any sensible union, association or organization. Citing example of the Taxi fare to and fro Kohima and Dimapur, the fare was supposed to be Rs. 85/- only and not Rs.100/- only, according to the Transport Authority, yet recently, the fares just shot up to Rs. 130/- only. Of course, the Transport Authority under the aegis of the Deputy Commissioner had now directed that the fares be brought down to Rs. 100/- only. Of course, increase and hike in prices is unavoidable and very true it is expected, but that does not mean the license for random hike and increase of fares at one’s whims and fancies.
Fair enough, the Nagaland Voluntary Consumers Association had also taken up the issue taking into consideration that certain checks and balances have to be maintained. In fact, this was long overdue in a way, but better late than never.
Also, here one has to understand the need for the hike in fares with the hike in prices of petrol, diesel, and kerosene and LPG gas. But, was there ever any balance in the give and take policy? No! It was always the giver who gives more than the required and regulated share than the providers who are supposed to be serving while earning. One wonders why the authority concerned always sleeps over any pertinent issue until and unless it blows out of proportions. Surely, there is the need for the taxi fares to be increased, but what is the logic for an increase from Rs. 100 (and not Rs. 85/- only) to Rs. 130/- only? Can the unprecedented hike be justified? Can one truly justify an increase of 25% plus for anything? Why is it that, the consumers always gets dictated one way or the other? Why cannot the service providers feel the pinch of the takers? Is there any increase in the salaries for Government servants that calls for such an increase, or is it that the unemployed are getting monies left and right?
On the other hand, the Taxis driven by salaried drivers will try to accommodate more than the regulated numbers of passengers. The fare remains the same. The inconveniences are increased, while it is also more than dangerous traveling in more than capacity car. Very sadly, the travelers are always dictated upon by the drivers (whether self owned driving or employed driver). The practice of “beggars cannot be choosers” is just too loud and more than clear. Where is our sense of hospitability - or, is it hospitals? Do we care enough for the other person? If so, the Taxi Association, be it Drivers/Owners Union, should see to it that the regulated numbers of passengers are strictly followed and adhered to. Infact, this is one example where corruption is again practiced and encouraged, this is where the Taxi Association can help contain corrupt practices in our once (fore-fathers) honest society. We still dare claim that we Nagas are what our fore-fathers once were even as our present living and society is so full of evils.
Moreover, Mini Buses Association in Kohima also tried to hike the fare from Rs. 3/- to Rs. 5/- only, which is also more or less 100% hike in the bus fare. (Here again, our mini buses ply the route according to their own convenience).
Why? Why it that we Nagas specially, have scant regards for ‘paises’? I have a vague recollection of bloodshed that took place in Kolkatta, then Calcutta, in the earlier part of 80s, because of hike in price to the tune of couple paise in essential commodity. While out here, we are facing random hike and increase in prices every now and then, yet we still remain less bothered with a superficial attitude of “forget it, it is only one/two rupee extra, we/they won’t die”. This little bit of extra money when accumulated makes hundreds and thousands as everyone knows, yet we expect the other person to voice out or protest on our behalf even if one is being wronged. The attitude of accumulating fast and easy money sans the extra effort has really spoilt our society, by benefiting the vested interests that are here to exploit us only.
As of now, we Nagas are so ashamed to speak out for ourselves and are silent, but shamelessly indulge in all sorts of corrupt practices consciously or unconsciously. We have not questioned in the unprecedented increase of any essential commodity, be it to the tune of Rs. 5/- or Rs. 10/- only, so the thought of raising question because of an increase of even 25 paise or Re. 1/- only seems below ones dignity.
What a shame, we are all so shameless when it concerns our own interest, but have lest regard for the lesser privileged who are the majority in any society. Our society is no different or better of than any others, instead, our Naga society may be even worse when compared with others. We have nothing to be proud of with our present living, but should bow down our heads in shame for whatever reason, as you and I see. We seem to make hue and cry over any issue that does not merit general attention, because there is silence where the welfare of the common man is concerned. Even concerned authorities seem to be silent spectators until and unless the general public gets restless. The maxim “prevention is better than cure” has to be practiced in our society sooner than latter.
There are so many Organizations, Unions, Associations et cetera, but what are their priorities? They should also address the needs of the general public while getting benefits. Surely, the givers should not be thrown to the dogs always. The sense of reasoning should be applied at all times for common benefits in the long run. The way our local community in business function is as though there is no tomorrow.
We try to get profits within few months time or a year, what non-locals steadily gets in few years time, while at the same time expanding their business. In the long run, it is the local business persons who lose their valued local customers, because business transaction is neither favourable nor winsome enough. Infact, our non-local mind set is slow and steady, while our Nagas’ is fast and faltering, which is our own doings. The recent hike in prices of Onions and Tomatoes in the state for example, seems to be artificial only, comparing our rate of consumption to that of the people from the plains.
The authorities should not just lie down and let matters go out of proportion. Surely, the import or inflow of essential commodities in to the state can be monitored without too much of an effort. The concerned authorities should be more vigilant towards any unhealthy practices if they are not hand in glove with the unscrupulous persons in nexus to the unforeseen and unbecoming practices in our day to day living. It is a fact that for anything that affects the common person directly, it indirectly furthers corruption at the higher level, and for which, we are all accountable for.
