Vishü Rita Krocha
Corruption has long been a point of discussion in the Naga society. The fight for transparency and accountability has also, often led the public to the streets. But the vicious cycle still continues, and it's almost always convenient for the society to picture politicians at the mention of the very word.
Little do we realise that corruption hides in the shadows of all of our lives. Everyone is exposed to different levels of corruption. It could have its roots anywhere- home, school, workplace, and so on and so forth.
In an article, Rob Whiteman implied that not all forms of corruption are intentional, while explaining that, “It could come from incompetence, from a lack of understanding regarding internal controls and processes or from promoting family members without proper accountability. But mostly corruption is motivated by two factors: need and greed. These are powerful drivers and can easily influence a person’s behaviour. Corruption then becomes a vicious circle that’s hard to escape – the deeper you become entangled in it, the harder it is to break free.”
It's possible that one is indulging in little corrupt means even without realising that it is corruption. But it's often the so called “petty corruption” that contributes to the whole cycle of the system that needs change.
Nagas are fond of gifting items to influence the choice of a person in power. This could be vegetables, paddy, wild meat, anything. While such an act may look harmless, if you are doing it in the hope of getting something in return, then that is definitely corruption.
Maybe you are doing it for the good or welfare of your family, or your people but it still spells 'corruption.' How many Naga parents/families have managed to get their children admitted in schools or educational institutions by indulging in such a practice? How many students have applied/are availing scholarships even when they are not eligible? How many are in government service not because of merit but because they were appointed through unfair means?
The truth about corruption can be uncomfortable. Often, we dismiss the heart and root of corruption even when it's discussed at the surface level. It's the easiest thing to blame those people in high positions for corruption.
But the truth is that it exists everywhere, and at all levels. The first step, perhaps, to even start thinking of fighting corruption would be to acknowledge the uncomfortable reality that it is everywhere and practiced by people from all walks of life.
Maybe then, we could also find ways to prevent it because for any issue that harms the society at large, also requires collective effort. And that collective effort needs to first start at the individual level.
This is a guest editorial by Vishü Rita Krocha. She is the Publisher of PenThrill Publication and a senior journalist based in Kohima.
