Man’s greed knows no bound. The urge to take in that bit more than what is rightfully ours has been the genesis of so much evils and ills in the society. Such a habit also infringes on other’s rights and privileges. Yet almost always, it turns out that it is those who are more knowledgeable and informed individuals who are doing the dirty deeds of infringing. The issues of kickbacks and underhand deals in Government contracts and supplies are nothing new. It has been the bane of many otherwise respectful and well-meaning leaders and powerful figures. But when such issues do break out, it never fails to elicit amazement and anger from the public, and are also a source of amusement for many, given the efforts and thoughts that is being invested in pulling out such schemes and also the ingenious ways employed for the same- tactics, had these been utilized legally and for the good, would have definitely made a visible positive impact on the development of the society. One such crafty scheme being brought out in the open recently is that of the irregularities and excesses committed in awarding of contract for supplies and discrepancies in accounting by the Manipur Development Society (MDS). The sheer disregard for regulations and procedures of inviting open tender for the supply of a number of solar LED street lamps point to a system long been in place. A few in power and influence has bypassed the law of the land went ahead- with an arrangement which would definitely have enriched them and their near ones who were privy to the whole operation. Handouts must have been made to ensure silence. It would not be possible to carry out such a feat without the consent and collusion of minister/s and departmental heads. The sheer audacity of inflating the cost, way above the market price also signals a deep and critical rot in the financial control and management that has been going on for years, if not decades. The public, which are left seething with anger are waiting and watching for the damage control exercises that is bound to follow suit, for now, and it would be foolish and physically risky for the Government and the perpetrators to assume that they will continue to be mute spectators forever. There had been instances when the public spontaneously decided to set things in the right order, unable to wait for the dragging enforcers and judiciary to sit up and act. These instances clearly underlines the inefficient and ineffective methods of reigning in it’s own employees and controlling the affairs of the state. There has not been any exemplary punishments which only emboldens the unscrupulous people to commit bigger and more serious hoaxes and crimes. The onus to prove it’s honest intentions of bringing in a better Governance should be put squarely on the Government. There had been enough promises and empty assurances. It is time to shut up and act out. The public now will not have it any other way.
