Corruption: The growing menace
Mushtaq Bhat
‘Eat and drink from the provision of Allah (SWT), and do not commit abuse on the earth’ spreading corruption. (Al-Quran)
Corruption is simply an act of dishonesty, misuse of power or greed for money and going to any extent to get illegal tasks done. It has many different shapes as well as many various effects, both on the economy and the society at large.
Giving and taking bribes, involving in fraudulent activities, double-dealing, diverting funds, laundering money and private property, etc., are all activities that correspond to corruption. It is an evil which is spreading its poison in the roots of almost every society of our nation. Being corrupt is a choice or a decision made by the individual or an organisation.
This menace is caused by many factors but I believe that the primary cause of its growth is change in the value system and ethical qualities. Nowadays, corruption has become a way of life which encompasses the ideological, moral, and ethical values of society, and has become part of our culture.
As the nation grows the corrupt also grow to discover new techniques and methods of cheating the government and public. Due to corruption people lose hope and faith and they hardly believe in the system and its machinery. Corruption has polluted almost every sector including politics, economics, education, administration, the department of justice and has grown to such a level that has given rise to criminal activities.
As we know that corruption in India is a national phenomenon. But what has been observed is that Jammu & Kashmir unfortunately continues to be among the top UTs in this dubious list. Nevertheless, the Lt Guv Manoj Sinha led Administration has shown intent by executing the presence of Anti Corruption Bureau which trapped many culprits but still lot is to be done in its eradication.
In Jammu & Kashmir many things changed over the last few years but corruption continues to disturb peace of mind of those people who are considered as right thinking people. It has taken wings not wheels that has affected overall progress of this region and general wellbeing of its people.
There’s almost no field left which hasn’t been affected by this menace. The gravity of corruption in Jammu and Kashmir in particular is such that poor, vulnerable and marginalized people are being forced to pay money to get their free services as they deserve it free from the government because people pay huge taxes to the government and the government is always committed for the same free services to the people.
So far its gravity is concerned the need is to find ways and means to tackle the menace. The fight against corruption is to be started from the top. By arresting small clerks and patwaris for taking bribes of a few thousand rupees is not going to help.
Government must work hard and develop an effective strategy to address this mushrooming menace. And also, the society too will have to wake up to this menace. Those who take bribes and those who give are both from our society.
So it’s the high time for all the sections of the society and even the government to be loyal towards their responsibilities, be vigilant, commit to uphold high standards of honesty and integrity and support the fight against this social evil which has engulfed our society.
(The author could be reached @ [email protected])
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