Making them accountable JOSE MARIA MIRANDA
Goa is a State where NGOs and civic conscious individuals have thankfully become extremely active precisely because elected representatives and bureaucrats have not only failed in their duties towards the citizens but have in fact acted against their interests and brought dishonour, disrepute and even destruction to this beautiful State of ours. Everywhere in the world, NGOs complement the work and efforts of the government in serving the people. Governments are happy to support and encourage their initiatives and suggestions as they help in lightening their burden. Unfortunately, that does not happen in Goa. Far from support or cooperation, authorities in Goa shun NGOs and individuals involved in ameliorating the lives of the people around them and those trying to make things easier for the public in general. In fact, these selfless individuals encounter so many obstacles and difficulties in their way that they are often constrained to give up their efforts, consequently suffering sometimes the ignominy of their intentions and honesty being questioned. However, it is not always financial consideration that is the cause of inaction on the part of the authorities. It is the absence of accountability that makes them complacent and unwilling to take decisions or action. Such an attitude is omnipresent in government departments. No doubt, greed and corruption also play a major role. Consequently, very little improves in our state or country. The Aam Admi Party must insist on accountability and governance while taking on corruption because government functionaries are happy to be passive spectators as there is none to question them. During his earlier tenure, Parrikar was feared as he would make officials work. Regretfully, that no longer happens. We could fill volumes by pointing out areas where government officials could easily act promptly to make life easier for people. Take just the case of minor road repairs, which would not even take an hour or the vigilance of traffic police on a bike which would help ease traffic congestion. And why do panchayats and municipalities overlook glaring illegalities that go against the interests of the public in general? While there are people, including non-Goans, who have helped and still help in saving this beautiful place from total destruction, many of us have failed in our duty towards our land in coming together and taking on the Government on various issues, including the Regional Plan. Granted that it is extremely frustrating to get the authorities to act on any issue, though the initiative itself ought to have come from them. The only language that the government understands is the language of numbers and hence it is imperative that people are alert and united in confronting the authorities. Even a group of 10 to 20 people taking up any matter of public interest and following it up regularly could perhaps make the authorities move. But, unfortunately, the authorities know too well that we have neither the capacity to bring people together unless our own personal interests are involved, nor the tenacity to follow up issues vigorously. No government, past or present, has ever bothered to make bureaucrats accountable for their acts of omission or commission. Nor have the courts been active on this count. At Canacona, warnings were ignored exactly because those responsible felt they could get away with accountability. We have got used to locking the stables after the horses have bolted. While families mourn for their dear ones, it will be no surprise if those responsible get away with their crime. The contractor has since surrendered, but so far the company’s top people are still at large. Parrikar could direct the police to run after Tarun Tejpal for a much lesser crime, but not after those responsible for such an unprecedented tragedy in Goa. However, let us not throw up our hands in despair, hoping that a saviour will arrive from somewhere to free us from the mess we are in. This is our land and we cannot let it slip out of our hands through our lethargy and indifference. For the sake of Goa and of our people, let us come together in every village and city and make a difference.
