WHY INDIA IS A SOFT STATE
OUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS SECURITY CONSCIOUSNESS
Musings
By
VIKRAM KARVE
When we were in the Navy we were taught that safety and security was everyone’s business.
If we found anything amiss, anywhere on the ship, we intervened immediately to redress the issue.
We did not adopt a “chalta hai” lackadaisical attitude nor did we indulge in “jurisdictional” quibbling saying it is not my part of ship so it is none of my business or why should I poke my nose into someone else’s affairs.
On a Ship, Safety and Security was everybody’s business because if there was a lapse we would all “sink” together to the Davy Jones’s Locker at the bottom of the sea.
In today’s environment the same dictum holds true for you and me in the civilian world as well – security is your business, security is my business, security is everyone’s business.
In the distant past, security was the business of the security forces.
The defence forces were responsible for “external” security and it was the job of the police to maintain internal law and order.
If you lived in a “safe” civilian place you were quite secure and it was the security forces who faced the dangers fighting the adversaries.
Recent events, over the past few years, have shown that this is no longer true and each one of us is vulnerable.
So it is high time each one of us became security conscious because in today’s environment security is everyone’s business.
There are three weak spots (or Achilles’ Heels) that undermine security consciousness and make us a Soft State:
1. “Chalta Hai” Casual Attitude
2. Corruption
3. Lenient Merciful Forgiving System
1. “CHALTA HAI” CASUAL ATTITUDE
Rules are in place but you don’t bother to follow them because of your “Chalta Hai” Casual Attitude
Let me give you an example.
There is a rule that when you rent out your house you are required to get police verification of antecedents of your tenants and proper registration of the rent deed or lease agreement done in the prescribed manner.
When we insisted that this rule be scrupulously followed in our residential society there was a deluge of protests from the non-resident owners [investors who have purchased flats for renting out (now-a-days non-resident “investors” heavily outnumber resident “end-user” owners in most new housing societies, at least in Pune)].
They protested that this “unnecessary harassment” of tenants was affecting rental rates in our society.
When we explained to them that this was a mandatory security requirement they scoffed at us saying that we were being “dogmatic” and they scornfully told us that generally no one followed this rule.
Because of such casual attitudes towards security, it is no wonder that it is so easy for undesirable persons to rent a house and find a place to stay from where they can plan and conduct their nefarious activities.
Do you insist on police verification of antecedents of the people you employ at home, in your workplace and in your neighbourhood or residential society?
If you find a suspicious vehicle parked near your house or workplace or you see something irregular, a suspicious new structure or encroachment or an unknown person appearing suddenly, will you report it or will you look the other way saying it is none of your business and it is the job of the police.
Of course, the police are doing their job but haven’t you too got some responsibility towards security.
Remember, God forbid, if something bad happens, it can be you or your near and dear ones who may be casualties.
2. CORRUPTION
One of the main reasons why India is considered a “Soft State” and easy target is the rampant corruption prevalent at all levels.
If you pay a bribe anything is possible.
Conversely, if you do not pay a bribe then it is difficult to get things done.
You may have seen news reports of how easy it is for illegal immigrants from foreign countries to obtain various identity documents and residential proof documents like PAN Card, Aadhaar UID Card, Voter ID Card, Ration Card, Driving Licence etc by paying bribes.
It is cruel irony that whereas genuine honest bonafide citizens have to struggle to get these documents made, persons who are not citizens of this country manage to get them by paying bribes.
Earlier it was a mystery to me as to how foreigners can so easily enter our country and comfortably settle down here and carry on their activities, but now the reason seems to be quite clear – Corruption.
Wherever you are, whatever post you hold, remember that when you take a bribe you may be compromising security.
And each time you give a bribe (as mamool or speed-money) you are establishing a Corrupt Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) which can be detrimental to security.
Security Consciousness entails eradication of corruption and unless corruption is contained we cannot become secure and safe.
3. LENIENT MERCIFUL FORGIVING SYSTEM
Our system is lenient, merciful and forgiving in nature towards those accused, found guilty and convicted of undermining security.
This had weakened the fear of law in the mind of criminals and anti-national elements.
They know that even if they are caught, the process will be slow, the trial will take a long time, and there is a always a chance of bail and acquittal.
Even if they are found guilty and convicted they can always seek clemency to lighten the punishment and the lenient and merciful system is likely to be sympathetic, compassionate and benevolent in view of our forgiving nature.
All this has reduced the deterrence effect of the law.
This absence of fear of the law has emboldened criminals and hostile elements which is very detrimental to our security.
CONCLUSION
Security is everyone’s business so we must do our bit to eliminate the three weak spots (or Achilles’ Heels) that undermine security consciousness and make India a Soft State.
1. Let us get rid of our “Chalta Hai” Casual Attitude towards Security
2. Let us strive to Eradicate Corruption
3. Let us stop showing misplaced compassion and be less merciful towards those undesirable criminals and inimical elements who undermine our security.
VIKRAM KARVE
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About Vikram Karve
A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer and blogger. Educated at IIT Delhi, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and an anthology of short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories and creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional and academic research papers in journals and edited in-house journals and magazines for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing and blogging. Vikram Karve lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.
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