Citizens pay, officials delay and Democracy looks away
We can negotiate easily with Gods but not with most Government workers

Marjing Mayanglambam *

I believe that criticism of the Government should not only be tolerated but genuinely welcomed—after all, it offers a rare and unfiltered reflection of its services as perceived by us, the citizens. As someone who contributes to the system through hefty taxes, I expect not just adequate service but also sincere respect from those entrusted with public duty.

Though my views may often manifest as complaints or expressions of dissatisfaction, I see no virtue in sugar-coating the harsh realities I encounter. It is not my responsibility to soften the hearts of those who routinely disregard my fundamental needs.

My perspectives may come mostly as complaints or grievances but how can I overlook these menaces and speak with a sugar-coated mouth ? I am not in the position to soften the hearts of those who deprive me of my needs.

I do not intend to offend anyone personally, but allow me to illustrate a few situations that any one of us could realistically experience. And if articulating such scenarios is seen as inappropriate or subversive, one must question the very meaning of Indian citizenship and the much-celebrated Constitutional rights that accompany it.

While I frequently criticize the Government, I am equally capable of acknowledging and applauding its commendable efforts—I am not blind to progress when I see it. Take, for instance, the scenario of reporting an inactive police officer—someone who either delays his duty or avoids it entirely.

One day, you might fmd yourself on the receiving endof an unexpected and troubling act of retaliation, either by the officer in question or his associates—details of which I dare not elaborate on, for my own safety. We live in a country where, disturbingly, many feel hesitant or even afraid to approach the police for assistance, owing to their detached, often hostile demeanor.

Consider the ordeal of seeking assistance from an administrative officer—a Sub-Divisional Collector, District Magistrate, or even an IAS officer—for a personal or private matter that is fully lawful under Indian regulations.

You may spend weeks, even months, completing repetitive bureaucratic procedures, only to find your application lost amid chaotic and disorganized office records. Timely approval is a rare luxury. Try obtaining essential academic or professional information from a State or Central university—an institution that should ideally champion transparency and access to knowledge.

In such moments, filing an RTI seems impractical or even intimidating. How is a student expected to draw inspiration from an educator who, rather than nurturing trust, acts with arrogance and indifference ?

Govt Bank employees working with the most neglecting and uninterested attitude which causes you to lose your patience and had to shift to a private bank who provides you way better service and help. Banks receive money from us which also helps in the governance and the emplyees must not prioritize their famed lunch breaks and minimize their bossy attitudes.

Step into a Government hospital, and you may witness appalling behavior from healthcare workers—mocking, dismissive responses to questions about a loved one's health, often with no effort to provide proper guidance. And that's if you manage to overlook the grim, unhygienic surroundings that in themselves pose severe health risks.

These are just a few helpless problems which are occurring in our Democracy's departments, and I am among the lakhs who face such issues, which makes me slowly lose trust and hope in the Government. Eventually, I am starting to understand why Indians are leaving this land for other countries that value human beings more than their salaries and side incomes.

Even though the heads of a Govt. may announce their determinations and goals in service to us wholeheartedly dedicatedly, the lower ranks and staffs are the ones who are staining the images of their superiors.

They act more powerful with the worst behavior one can ask for when citizens seek help or the designated service the staffs are supposed to provide without any questions if all the required mammoth of complex documents are produced.

We can negotiate easily with Gods but not with most Government workers. If you do not have the "connections" then be aware of the hurdles you are about to face. Go with the least expectations, with some money for support, and if nothing works leading to agitations or disputes, be prepared for vulgar remarks, stern eye-looks, or threatens sometimes accompanied by physical harms.