Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely is a well said quote. Beyond doubt it is that unchecked powers lead to the misuse, abuse and overuse of authority. This fact manifests itself in multiple ways— blackmailing, bribery, wastage of time and any other gratification by the power holding hands. And the most impactful but less visible — ‘Sifarish’ reigning supreme in all walks of life at the cost of the week.
It is an open secret that bribing bureaucracy, nepotism, favoritism and ‘sifarish’ are not confined to any particular society but are more or less taking place everywhere around the world. These unfair means breed governance deficit and feelings of deprivation of state services for an ordinary citizen— something against the spirit of a welfare state. Resultantly not only do the common citizens go unheard but also feelings of insecurity overtake them.
Remarkably, we do have statutory laws against any corruption practice and institutions such as anti-corruption court and the Vigilance Organization that have the power to take to task the corrupt hands. Arguably these institutions may not be hundred percent foolproof but they have taken a strong action against several corrupt officials; are watchful to ensure that big fishes do not escape the long arm of the law.
But what about the menace called ‘sifarish’ (literally recommendation) in this part of the world. Sifarish is needed for a ration card, for a simple deployment/ transfer, for a doctor’s appointment, for admission in institutions, etc; long is the list. Do we need merit or ‘sifarish’? Do we need rule of law or ‘sifarish’? Should we wait for our turn at a hospital or use ‘sifarish’ to get the medical checkup?
For ‘sifarish’ to operate, the road is smooth. Neither it raises any eye brow nor has a single case been punished to this day. Even the supposed moral preachers and pious people use it as an effective route to get things done. Most people opine there is no wrong in ‘sifarish’ for posts, postings, transfers, admissions and so on. To an extent, ‘sifarish’ may be tolerable and understood. But need it not leave the underprivileged unharmed?
Truth is that the weaker sections suffer for not having a rich purse, strong hands or right contacts. In action is the survival of the fittest which compromises the legal framework and murders the very essence of social justice — in a democratic set up.
If nobody is above the law, then ‘sifarish’ culture must be erased as it is eroding our moral and legal norms. An individual act of ‘sifarish’ may look negligible but its toxic effect on the system is devastating. Ordinary citizens face hardships and violation of human rights on occasions where ‘sifarish’ is a decider.
Sadly, there is no condemnation for the people who favor and intervene in the interest of the blue eyed at the cost of the weak. Instead, there is social approval and welcome for them; these people are garlanded, gifted with sweets, suits, boots, friendships and invitations to functions. As a result, they feel endeared and encouraged to the point that they their wishes become rules for a common citizen. Dozens of lower rung employees are seen wandering even during duty hours; dozens do side business, skipping duty. All due to ‘sifarish’ , a part of corruption.
That is not the end of the sad story. The social disease (sifarish) also leaves ill effects on our economy and society. A few examples;
Doctors are trained on tax payers’ money in our medical colleges. And are supposed to treat people free. For that they are given huge salaries again from tax payers’ money. Once appointed, many doctors come late to duty and leave early for private clinics. So double gains to them. One, their salaries and two, fees at clinics. Because of ‘sifarish’, they even act on impunity, knowing well that their patrons will come to their rescue. In this ‘sifarish’ relationship, only a friend or relative has been obliged. No thought has been given to the evil impact on wider society.
The next sector is induction into the administration on the basis of ‘sifarish’ and is worst damage to our system. We all have grievances about the absence of competence and lack of professionalism in public services. Under ‘sifarish’, talent disappears like stars disappear during daytime; the mediocre win hands down.
The worst damage to our future is done through teacher appointments if based on ‘sifarish’. When teachers are appointed not on merit but on ‘sifarish’, we need not expect any improvement in the quality education, the betterment of our younger generation or discipline in their lives.
If teachers remain absent from their duties and indulge in side business with patrons protecting them, will the teaching-learning process not get eclipsed. Naturally, ‘sifarish’ will have the upper hands to let that happen.
Patronized teachers work by using their wishes, not the codal norms. And the effect on dutiful teachers is toxic— these teachers feel that they too should seek and use influence because there is no penalty for deviant behavior and no reward for good work. No wonder if we have poor results, declining enrollment, high dropout rates, and a high number of actually illiterate young people unable to find jobs. These people may do anti-social activities. Who is responsible?
‘Sifarish’ involves lihaz, sharam, biraderi, relation, friendship etc. It is very difficult for a person to refrain from the evil act. But if we prioritise public interests over personal ones and seek better future, we must avoid using ‘sifarish’. Nothing can change if we change nothing; ‘sifarish’ is our own enemy; we all need to weed it out. It is time, we change our priorities.
(Author is a teacher and columnist. He can be reached on: [email protected])
