Hand-outs shouldn’t be taken for granted

The ignorant mind, with its infinite afflictions, passions and evils, is rooted in the three poisons: greed, anger and delusion. Bodhidharma

There is a sufficiency in the world for man's need but not for man's greed. Mahatma Gandhi Two Indian greats, who walked this world 14 centuries apart, were apt in their summary of human nature of greed and avarice. For some, it is acquiring wealth in different forms; others seek pleasure in enjoying hand-out privileges that their positions command.
There are two classes in the country to which expecting almost everything as complimentary comes naturally. Yes, they are politicians and bureaucrats.
The former consider invitations and complimentary passes as their right for being the representatives of the people, while the latter seek it for being the indispensible cogs that ensure efficient governance.
Both are under the grip of a post-colonial hangover, high on the nostalgia of the days when the ruling class enjoyed unfettered power, privileges and concessions for “bearing the burden of governing and civilising the ignorant masses”.
We are 12 years into a new century, yet little has changed in the way politicians and babus think. Latterly, a national daily reported that the Karnataka State Cricket Association has been forced to outsource to private contractors the task of clearing about 18 tonnes of garbage from the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The BBMP, controlled by Bangalore corporators, that cleaned the stadium after matches till recently, has refused to continue their services. Why? Because the corporators we­r­e denied ‘complimentary’ VIP passes for the IPL matches held in the city.
Also, officials have suddenly woken up to the Karnataka State Cricket Association’s long-pending tax dues to the tune of Rs6.5 crore. One cannot deny that the timing was excellent, or that it’s “sheer coincidence”.
The corporators and babus deny that notifying the cricket body about the dues was done in retribution for refusing them passes. They claim that it’s all part of their smart plan of shaming the association into coughing up taxes, as it would not risk sullying its name during the IPL, for deals worth crores would be at stake.
Both parties may have several excuses. However, a bigger question emerges: Why present such freebies and privileges to politicians and bureaucrats?
Government officials are paid for their service to the nation and its people. It is an open secret that apart from their salaries and perks, these mandarins amass wealth via bribes and other underhand ways. Yet they want more.
There have been numerous instances where aircraft and trains were delayed to ensure boarding of politicians who turned up late. Recently a Union minister courted controversy when records revealed that an aircraft of the national carrier was diverted to fly a group of his relatives.
Only a few may not have had to suffer for the reservations and concessions made for VIPs, especially at places of worship. The sight of a cop not paying for the food or tea he helps himself to at an eatery is far too familiar.
It’s high time something’s done. The privileged ones may protest that they are entitled to such special treatment, for they bear the burden of leading and serving the nation.
Well, no one asked these folks to lead and serve us. And if they cannot do without it, they may sit at home. (This article was published as the editorial column in Postnoon on April 11, 2012)