Missed the Plot

The constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950, giving power to its citizens to rule themselves, i.e., being administered by a government of, by and for the people. More importantly, it endeavored to secure to all its inhabitants justice, liberty and equality; as well as promoting fraternity, individual dignity and unity and integrity of the nation. The world’s largest Democratic Republic was thus born, full of hope and promise.

Sixty four years on, many of the goals we set for ourselves continue to elude us.

Based on the situation prevailing then, our constitution provided reservation on the basis of caste in parliament, legislatures, educational institutions and government jobs for a period of 20 years, hoping that disadvantaged sections would attain parity with others within the stipulated time. Whereas this in itself was controversial as not all upper caste people were rich, educated and well off, and vice versa; what instead happened was the cornering of most such benefits by the affluent of such castes in the initial years and by their progenies thereafter. Few of the actual intended beneficiaries could actually use it to their advantage.

Such quota system not only continues till date, but more and more castes have been included, while many others are clamoring to get in, even as the percentage of reservation itself has gone up significantly, amid shrinking opportunities. Worse, our political parties have been trying to bring private sector under the reservation net too.

            For the quota system to really have a positive effect on the lives of the have-nots, it should be a one-time concession made available to an individual - and not for all his descendants for all times to come - poverty being the only basis. Moreover, its quantum must come down to reasonable levels.

Secularism is one feature that can unite people of different faiths like no other. For us, however, it means selective minority ism, i.e., a particular religious minority is wooed and pampered for political gain, other minorities and the majority being given a go by. Anyone talking about the interest of the majority community is branded a fundamentalist. Following a communal disturbance, a large number of our secularists shed bountiful tears for one group but fail to do the same for sufferers belonging to the other.

In 1989 when militants subjected Kashmiri Pandits to numerous indignities and brutalities such as murder, rape of women, torture, forcible seizure of property, etc., forcing them to flee their homeland, our elected governments in New Delhi and Srinagar watched helplessly and spinelessly, failing to take tough action. Even as the Pandits complete 25 years as refugees in camps in their own country, our secularists have failed to take notice of their plight, their return to and rehabilitation in Kashmir seemingly not even being on anybody’s agenda.

Rather than promoting fraternity, reservation and secularism have become tools in the hands of our politicians to compartmentalize us for exploitation as vote banks.

Law and order has deteriorated across the country as a result of political interference in police work and its increasing use in providing security to VIPs. Politicians have also been patronizing big time criminals increasingly, many of them being lawbreakers themselves.

Ghastly crimes are on the rise; particularly against children, women and senior citizens; with no respite in sight. Meaningful action is taken only if people come out on the streets to protest or political scores are to be settled.

Bribery, larceny and lethargy reign supreme in government offices. Contracts are awarded not on merit but on the amount of kickbacks received. Public funds are frequently embezzled in the corridors of power. Security of the country is compromised for easy money.

Justice remains an illusion for most. Our courts take years for delivering verdicts, resulting in even well-intentioned witnesses frequently turning hostile. Conviction rates are abysmally low as police commonly botch up investigation.While our brave defence personnel have been making supreme sacrifices for us in increasing numbers, our governments have been shying away from taking tough decisions. Pakistan not only controls part of Kashmir and repeatedly violates the LOC, but also sends in terrorists regularly. Chinese forces have been intruding into our territory more and more frequently. Bangladesh has been exporting illegal immigrants to us in ever increasing numbers. We have been repeatedly failing to protect our national interest. What went wrong? Where did we lose the plot? Nobody seems to have any answer.

Amid the great hope of 1950 turning to despair, we celebrate our 65^th Republic Day. A great official - of, by and for the government -  spectacle in New Delhi, exhibiting our military might, heritage, culture, and unity; for Chief Guest Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, our elected rulers and the world to witness.

All is not lost, though. For the ordinary citizen of this country is increasingly refusing to play the mute spectator.

(Published in Garhwal Post on 25th January 2014)