Responsibilities before rights
- Imphal Times Editorial :: June 18 2016 -

The increasing participation of the general public in the governance can be visibly seen and is a positive sign of growing awareness amongst the public and their just demand for the implementation of the rights and privileges as bestowed on them by the Indian constituency.

This has led to various welcome changes In the system of governance and the people in power are becoming more wary of committing or abusing their powers and privileges to gain financial and other material gains thus making the government more alert and stricter, though a lot more needs to be done to make things ideal- at least it’s a start.

The indictment of former Haryana Chief minister of five terms, Om Prakash Chautala , his son and other officials who were hand in glove in the state teacher’s appointment scam, arrest of Suresh Kalmadi (MP from Pune) who is being tried for financial misappropriation as the chairman of the Commonwealth Games Organising committee-2010 and various other cases are reminders of the once lethargic and archaic legal system making an impressive effort of catching up with the times.

These incidents and developments points to the undeniable fact that the country is changing and the force behind this change is none other than the general public- common people who have learnt the wily ways of those in positions of power and influence, and are starting to assert their rightful place in the scheme of things.

But one thing still yet to be seen, amongst all these inspiring changes is the discharge of our responsibilities as citizens.

Demanding and agitating for our rights, sometimes to the extent of inflicting damages to the unwary and incidental persons and properties is a common enough scenario- common enough in fact to be taken for granted, yet deep down, it would not be out of place to say that so much leaves to be desired from the public when it comes to doing our bit as individuals and as a collective group.

Our efforts and actions still fall short of the required level in almost every sphere, for which most of us again tries and put the blame on others.

It is now the time to start discharging our duties towards society as individuals and as a collective unit.

Blaming the Government alone- which has a lot to be blamed for, no doubt, without being proactive about our duties will only widen the chasm and create more mistrust and accusations which will eventually affect the workings of the system and the development works being carried out- albeit unsatisfactorily and unconvincingly as of now.

Different methods of agitating and demanding our rights and priorities should be explored and put to use lest another person’s rights and liberties will be infringed upon.

Stopping or disrupting of developmental works and activities meant for the welfare of the general public will delay and deprive ourselves of the benefits we so rightly deserve.

Vigilantism and mob culture should make way for lawful and reasonable representations.

An atmosphere of mutual trust and respect between the Government and the public will be able to balance the equation of an ideal society. waiting for handouts and aids, and more recently snatching and pilfering other’s hard earned wealth without any effort to contribute to the society will ensure the downfall and disgrace of ourselves and the society of which we as well as our loved ones are an integral part of.