The recent incidents of political misbehaviour with the bureaucrats at the Centre and the States, have been very disturbing.These have jolted the conscience of the common man.It is time for their punishment and withdrawal of undeserved privileges.
Politicians in India enjoy extra-ordinary privileges. All from public exchequer. Free furnished bungalows, Security, unlimited telephone calls, free power, car fuel, passes for Rail, Air trips and many more. And, above all,food at highly subsidised rates in Parliament and State legislatures (Rs 20/25 for Veg/ non-Veg thalis).
They have the authority to fix their Salaries, allowances and privileges. No debates, no walkouts. Total unanimity among elected representatives,cutting across party lines. All adding up to lakhs of crores of rupees per annum out of public exchequer. No austerity measures. The politicians take pride in behaving in the most uncivil, uncouth and arrogant manner. Such brazen display of VVIP status and high comfort levels are abhorent to common man.
I am amazed by the hospitality guidelines issued by the then Chief Secretary ,UP for hosting MPs ,MLAs and local politicians by officers in their chambers. Micro details include asking for cold water and nimbu-paani in the first round followed by chai or coffee with two spoons of sugar, biscuits,burfi etc in the second round. Receiving the VVIPs at the portico and escorting them to officers’ chambers and the reverse. Such heightened scale of hospitality to politicians who are ever ready to give taste of their tongue-lashing to bureaucracy,if the job is not done. All, at the behest of CM Yogi.
No VVIP status for politicians. Remove all VIP security covers barring the usual exempted categories like the President, PM, SC Judges, HM, Raksha mantra, Finance minister, NSA.
Media had reported security cover for NSA’s son. What is the threat perception to the son who is a private person? No Z+ Security covers for Priyanka Gandhi , her family including Vadra and Rahul Gandhi. One body guard for the rest.
Why should Tax payers hard-earned money be utilized for such senseless expenditure , one would like to know? Why separate bungalows and separate security covers for them.
Ethics committees of Parliament are urged to lay down clear guidelines for LS/RS members. Non-compliance must attract appropriate penalties.There is a need to discipline MPs by the Parliament, not mollycoddle them.
Parliament must intervene. All MPs must be asked to stay at borders, share boardings and lodgings with army jawans, para-military forces etc.This will help them in inculcating fine qualities of head and heart. A week-long stay, once every quarter in a year in difficult terrains including insurgency –infested areas , would suffice in imparting them lessons in austerity and tolerance .Let them come out of their comfort zones. Same drill may be ordered by States’ Assemblies to cover their MLAs.