Government Inaction Fuels Corruption

Public money, entrusted to the government for the welfare of the people, is being blatantly misappropriated, yet those responsible walk free. Imphal Times, in its reports dated March 21 and March 25, 2025, regarding the infrastructure construction of Mega Food Park at Yaithibi Khunou, has exposed cases of misappropriation and irregularities in government funds, yet no action has been taken against those involved even during President Rule. This inaction by the authorities not only emboldens corrupt officials but also erodes public trust in governance.
When the guardians of public resources turn into exploiters, democracy suffers. It is the duty of the government to ensure that every rupee allocated for public welfare is used judiciously. However, what we see today is a stark contrast—corrupt practices thriving under the nose of those meant to curb them. The lack of stringent measures against such wrongdoing suggests either a deep-rooted nexus between officials and politicians or an appalling negligence that indirectly encourages further corruption.
The reports published by Imphal Times have highlighted significant misappropriation of funds in various government projects and schemes. These cases expose a pattern of financial mismanagement where funds meant for developmental work are siphoned off through fraudulent means. Despite clear evidence, the authorities remain unmoved, failing to initiate inquiries or hold the culprits accountable. This raises serious concerns about whether there is an intentional effort to shield the guilty or if the government lacks the will to act against corruption within its own ranks.
In many such cases, audit reports and vigilance departments have pointed out anomalies in the use of funds, yet no corrective action follows. Instead, files are conveniently buried, and inquiries fade into oblivion. Meanwhile, the people suffer as essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure remain underfunded due to these financial leakages.
The consequences of unchecked corruption are dire. When officials misappropriate funds, it deprives citizens of basic amenities. Roads remain in shambles, schools lack infrastructure, and hospitals run without essential medicines. Development stalls while the corrupt amass wealth.
The silence of the government on these reports suggests complicity. If no one is held accountable for these financial crimes, it sends a clear message: corruption is acceptable. This emboldens more officials to engage in similar acts, knowing well that there will be no repercussions. The lack of enforcement and accountability deepens the crisis of governance and pushes the public into disillusionment.
The government must break this cycle of corruption and impunity. Investigative agencies should act swiftly on the findings published by Imphal Times. If the administration truly values transparency, it must order an independent probe into these cases and ensure those responsible face the full force of the law.
Additionally, systemic reforms are necessary to prevent such misappropriation in the future. Strengthening financial oversight mechanisms, enhancing transparency in fund allocation, and empowering anti-corruption bodies with autonomy are crucial steps. Whistleblower protection laws should be enforced to encourage those within the system to expose wrongdoing without fear of repercussions.
Furthermore, public vigilance plays a critical role in holding the government accountable. The media, civil society organizations, and common citizens must continue to demand justice. Transparency and accountability should not be mere slogans but active principles guiding governance.
If the government fails to act on these reports, it will be failing the people it swore to serve. A democracy thrives on accountability, and any government that ignores corruption is ultimately betraying its citizens. There is still time to correct this course, but the window is closing fast.
The revelations by Imphal Times should serve as a wake-up call for both the government and the people. The guilty must not be allowed to walk free. Justice must prevail, not just for the sake of legality but for the future of governance itself. It is time for the authorities to prove that they stand for integrity, not for those who plunder public resources.
Inaction is no longer an option. The people are watching, and history will remember whether this government stood against corruption or became its silent accomplice.