Dilemma of an average Indian citizen in an indifferent society

Who is our savior? This is a question that perturbs every middle class Indian citizen. Even though media carries lot of sensational news, it doesn't in any way affect the daily life of an average citizen. When team Anna started their battle against corruption many thought they would be able to bring about the change in Indian society. Time has proved that they couldn't.

An average Indian citizen faces a barrage of problems every day, but there is no messiah to solve them. We ourselves have to find a solution. A few days back in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of ?God?s own country? Kerala, a college girl has showed how to deal with eve-teasers. The girl, who has been trained in martial arts, overpowered two men, who came in a government-owned vehicle and made obscene comments, took them to police custody. All this happened in the heart of the city. Even the police headquarters was within one kilometer distance. When the Delhi rape case happened there was a lot of media coverage and discussions on how to control such instances in future. It seems that for the perpetrators of this crime the media coverage seems to act as a booster. Otherwise, how could one understand the occurrence of similar crimes in different parts of the country?

The news value of an incident is hardly a day or two, and then the society seems to forget the incident. Only when another crime occurs, that too of a brutal nature, the eyes of media open again. What kind of society is this? There is no compassion, no values or consideration for others. Tension, chaos and an uncertainty is rampant in the society.

Take for instance in Kerala there are seats reserved for ladies in buses, but rarely could one find a conductor who asks men to leave the seats when a lady get into the bus. Even if a lady asks for seats reserved for them their men counterparts will make unnecessary comments that prick the modesty of a woman. The conductor stands merely as a silent spectator, for fear of life. Where will the poor lady complain or who will take action? Even if somebody takes action the complainant has to live in constant fear of vengeance.

There was an order from the Southern Railway Trivandrum division that men who are intoxicated will not be allowed to travel in trains. For one or two days, checking did take place, but later the RPF people stopped the practice, probably with the connivance of politicians or railway employees. For most of TTE in trains, especially those starting during evening time are in an inebriated condition. A case registered against them recently is only the tip of an ice berg. In many cases, passengers don?t take pains to complain; either they don?t have time or the formality is difficult to purse.

It?s a common sight in Delhi bound trains that military people are spotted consuming alcohol openly. There is no one to question them. Even the RPF personnel seem to be afraid of them, or they may be showing brotherly affection. I don?t know. What should a citizen do?

Go to a Speed Post centre and it is chaos there too. Even though one could see many counters only one may be functioning, that too at a snail?s pace. In some cases, like the GPO in Trivandrum every staff member is a union leader and even the post master is afraid of questioning them. If that is the case what should an average citizen do?

The situation in some nationalized banks especially the primer bank SBI is no different. The employees are not considerate towards a small holding saving accounts holder. They are interested in dealing with big shots. Recently, I had to make some clarification regarding the replacement charge of ATM card due to long term wear and tear. I had heard that the card is replaced either free of cost or on payment. When I questioned, this manger asked me to close the account if I am not satisfied. What kind of attitude is this? I complained to SBI head quarters online, but there was no action. It seems money is the power. What can an average citizen do?

You go to University centers, at least in highly literate societies like Kerala you will not find the concerned person at 10am. Most employees report to duty by 11 or later. Even if you make a complaint no action will be taken as every staff works not for the university but for the political parties, as the appointments are done by them. Kerala may be the only place in India where students receive their degree certificates after months or years after passing the course. If you need urgently you have to pay extra fees. That means if you have money you will get certificates early. Likewise, students qualify their exam based on grace marks provided at the discretion of examination board. In most instances, politics and power make their influence here. What kind of higher education are we focusing on?

In most of our cities, there are not enough spaces for urination and defecation. Men do it in open spaces even in so called civilized society like Kerala. What about ladies? They will face societal curse if they do it in openly. Isn?t it the responsibility of our government to provide such facility, at least one in every 1 Km distance. Even in government run institutions, there are no toilet facilities for the visiting public. Even the employees are not considerate to this human need. They will not allow the toilets meant for staff to be used by public. Where would an average citizen go in an urgent situation?

One of the primary concerns of every youth is getting a job. But unfortunately, even in government run institutions influence and power make the primary criteria. There are many public limited companies and corporations where appointments are made directly through political influence and money power. It?s unfortunate that many of our ministers provide recommendation letters or testimonials, which is symbol of indirect influence. Even in case of PSC and UPSC, many youngsters feel that influence plays a major role, at least, during interview stage. The funny thing in Kerala Public Service Commission is that the rank lists are displayed several months after the interview, so that the candidates forget the whole process. In some cases, a candidate less qualified will be getting higher rank. The other candidates will be in a dilemma, what should be done?

From birth to death, an average citizen has to pass through several situations. Often the concerned officials remark that citizen should make written complaint. But who will proceed with the case and when will justice be provided. In most of the instances mentioned above only if remedial measures are made on the spot there will use, otherwise the victim itself will leave it cursing his or her fate.

An average citizen is not concerned with Bofors deal or Indo ?Pak relations. He is concerned only with these small issues for which there is no news value or political significance. What should they do? Do they have a savior? It seems it?s time for a revival; every citizen should raise his/her voice against the atrocities to get freedom from the clutches of political influence, money power and muscle power.

Source: http://www.merinews.com/article/dilemma-of-an-average-indian-citizen-in-an-indifferent-society/15882714.shtml

peyton florida state meghan mccain wilson chandler bristol motor speedway prometheus grand canyon skywalk