Best Job in the World that exists in Manipur

drummer_simon *

One evening a fellow with a peculiar taste for consequential philosophy dropped in. After scrutinizing the prevalent thirst for religion diluted to the brim with hypocrisy in our land, we somehow stumbled upon the idea of debating the best job in the world; the only type that exist in Manipur.

A teacher employed by the GOM has a very interesting and enviable employment cycle. At the time of recruitment the standard amount required to become a teacher in a student-less school is 2-3 lacs.

Celebration and congratulation abounds when good news reaches the fortunate few; fortunate because you had an influential someone to back and sweet talk to the Minister and officials concern.

Management students in Elite schools should come and do internship with the Ministers in Manipur when recruitment is going on. It is estimated that roughly 80 crore is being harvested in the most discreet and mafia like where nothing is accountable to the public and tax-man.

"A law graduate once quipped - in Manipur there is no procedure because bullet and threat decide the case." Hundreds who have borrowed huge amounts paying exorbitant interest and still do not see their name in the Selected List; I sincerely weep for them.

The irony is - a lot many of the selected folks generally are relatives or spouse of high powered National Workers; hypocrisy at its best. A few for sure are kins of important religious leaders and the majority folks close to self-style political leaders.

Why do people have to pay such huge amounts when one could have invested in business or other socially acceptable business. Why do people want a job where one has to pay and still do not get an assurance. These are very intriguing times. It took no time for us to arrive at a conclusion.

A GOM teacher in my district - Senapati has 3 things to do which to our displeasure is equivalent to a trip or a vacation.

Here is my observation:
1) When news about salary reaches the student-less teachers, they all head for the district HQ. They dine and drink till they have made their presence and status felt. When they return home after this sojourn which last differently for different folks, a chicken or pork or kilos of fish and a briefcase slung on their shoulder with smiles obviously denoting fat pockets to the lonely and tiresome fellow villagers just returning after toiling the whole day.

2) The sensible fellas work and make their riches multiply while the clumsy fellas drink and stay home with red eyes - a sign for villagers that his wine was good and tasted bitter. Once a month or twice they set foot in a house where due to lack of human presence you could feel its being haunted by the spirits of the former teachers long parted; some of excess liquor and some time came.

3) Illiterate and simple village folks regard them as respectable for they ought to. All they need they get with no strings attach-wine, respect and good time. When you get about 16000 rs a month without working while I guess its the best job in the World.

In the churches irrespective of denominations from the pulpits the preacher has spoken out, some unknowingly though that bribery and stealing is evil in the eyes of God. We paid bribes to get the job and we earn money every month without working.

"Collective stealing which am sure does not prick any conscience." Stealing is not a crime no more in Manipur. Its a collective understanding and when society takes it that way there is no wrong.

People have come to appreciate paying and accepting bribes. A thing to ponder: What will happen to you and your folks in the times to come - the consequence that must or certainly must follow and will follow.

The ministers who certainly are disciplined and religious thieves. Not leaving out their the pitiful counterparts; the cunning and mischievous government officers and the teachers who take money home without working. You may escape the wrath of man for now but God will never forget it.