REFLECTIONS ON CENTER FOR MEDIA STUDIES (CMS) STUDY ON CORRUPTION
REFLECTIONS ON CENTRE FOR MEDIA
STUDIES (CMS) STUDY ON CORRUPTION
It’s really alarming to know that baring
Kerala & Telangana, the other three southern states stood first to third in
corruption index (Karnataka followed by AP & TN). This corruption index is
not related to development indicators as the most developed states like Gujarat
& Maharashtra or the most under developed states like Bihar, UP did not
figure in the top five in corruption index.
One correlation we can draw
is linking corruption index to the election expenditure, as these three states are
spending huge amounts for elections in the country. If the system can prevent
election expenditure through bringing in stringent rules and reforms, the
corruption might come down and it will be a good beginning.
Governments alone cannot
address corruption without public support and commitment. Certainly the Governments have to have
determination and willingness to curb corruption and place transparent systems
in place with effective implementation strategy. Mere statements and technology for sake etc
will do further damage and increase corruption.
Corruption is killer disease
and each and every individual has to feel responsible and address this menace
at his level and make sure that its spread is controlled.
HOW
AN INDIVIDUAL FARMER ADDRESSED CORRUPTION
AT INDIVIDUAL LEVEL IS PRESENTED AS
CASE STUDY:
A farmer in Krishna Dist, AP,
got drip irrigation system under APMIP subsidy & got the part material
delivered at site after repeated reminders. While giving delivery he was offered one extra
bundle of laterals on cash payment basis and he was assured of a cash bill for
the same. Balance material delivery was
delayed and affecting the farmer crop planning schedule. At the same time the
bill for extra bundle is also not given.
Farmer approached Project
Director and apprised him of short delivery of some materials and at the same
time excess delivery of laterals bundle on cash terms. PD promptly informed
about farmer complaint to company. They denied excess supply on cash terms and
in fact blamed the farmer by stating that as there was delay in supply of 4
inch pipes farmer made a false allegation. On hearing the same from PD, farmer
requested them to come for physical verification. PD responded to the request
positively and along with Supplier Company representative came and found that
one bundle is excess on farm.
Upon further enquiries it is
found that the laterals were short supplied to some other farmers and being
sold unofficially and some of them are pocketing the cash. In fact they found that these types of nexus (cheating
farmers with short supply) are there for quite some time and few heads were
rolled including police compliant for recovery.
After a week or so the
balance short supplied materials were delivered at farm and farmer was forced
to pay Rs.2500/- towards transportation cost. Upon coming to know that site
delivery & installation is included in the system, farmer approached the
company representative, and he promptly covered it up by saying that it will be
reimbursed.
When it comes to
installation of the drip system, as the company was delaying the process, the
farmer engaged local team and got it installed at his own cost. The company
dealer who is supposed to get the installation done did not turn up and
conveniently pocketed the installation component and the poor farmer has to
bear the burden. With the support extended the farmer escalated the issue and
ensured that it has gone to the notice of higher ups. The farmer is promised again with
reimbursement.
It is reliably learnt that
commissions are fixed on % basis and top down approach is perfectly in
operation.
THE
ISSUE IS NOT RELATED TO INDIVIDUAL FARMER, IT’S MORE ABOUT THE SYSTEMS IN PLACE
AND HOW THEY ARE FUNCTIONING.
B G Reddy- 9866889246
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