The demonetisation decision has inconvenienced the lay persons, but they are not complaining as much as certain politicians and others with vested interests. The latter cannot derail the process, so they are out to malign it and cast aspersions on the Prime Minister
National reconstruction, development and progress just cannot be visualised in isolation to moral and ethical considerations. Impediments in moving ahead on the economic plane get removed only when they are handled at the implementation stage by teams of cohesive, committed and competent individuals who value integrity and honesty; and act accordingly. Post-independence India has suffered the erosion of values in practically every sector of human activity, and that has led to seriously dented initiatives launched to ameliorate the lot of the people in general and those of the weaker sections in particular. India ushered in a path -breaking reform on November 8.
The objective is to move towards a corruption-free society, and a system that prevents generation of black money. Concerned citizens have lamented long enough how corruption spares none. Every major reform unsettles the unscrupulous, and demonetisation is no exception. It is, however, imperative on everyone to ponder over ‘individual social responsibility’ (ISR), look around one’s own context, and decide how one could become an active partner in the process of achieving an attitudinal transformation amongst the masses. That would require huge public awareness generation initiatives and active participation of individuals and organisations on voluntary basis in field situations. Several such initiatives have been launched by enthusiastic individuals and organisations.
Much more needs to be done in an organised manner as a change of mindset is to be achieved. Demonetisation per se cannot be expected to offer a panacea for all the ills that society confronts in terms of rampant corruption, exploitation and unbridled urge for materialistic acquisition. It certainly has the potential to initiate an all-encompassing churning that has encouraging socio-cultural imperatives, apart from economic implications. A rare phenomenon has been witnessed throughout India: People are facing inconveniences for days together, but are neither criticising nor expressing any anger against the ‘person responsible’ for making them stand in the queue. They are all full of praise for his boldness. This is the real strength of Indian democracy, and the inherent desire of the masses for clean governance and an equitable social order.
The banking system has emerged in very poor light and its credibility stands eroded in public perception. When the new Rs 2,000 denomination notes are recovered in crores in various parts of the country, people begin drawing their own inferences, and these are not far from the reality. It is also a fact that except for the black sheep within the banking system, not all of which have yet been identified, most of its functionaries have worked really hard at their stations of duty; a couple of them even having lost their lives attending to the call of national duty. People have suffered, but have accepted the suffering as ‘birth pangs’, in the hope of a better tomorrow. Frustrated politicians are trying to generate countrywide disaffection and dissention amongst the masses.
Their target is Narendra Modi, whose arrival on the national scene has vanquished the prime ministerial ambitions of the regional satraps, some of whom have been building their own castles of imagination in thin air for decades. As practically everyone, except the unscrupulous, had to bear the brunt, spend hours in queues before banks, the disgruntled at the fringe saw a ray of hope to recoup their declining fortunes. Is it not ironical that those who imposed Emergency that cut at the very roots of Indian democracy, are now shouting about ‘economic emergency’IJ
Sadly enough, widespread decline in democratic values across the political spectrum has contributed considerably in the erosion of credibility amongst the masses, who have become politically more mature, and understand fully the machinations of unscrupulous leaders. The decline of caste and communal politics in the name of secularism is on its last legs.
At this stage, every citizen convinced of the sincerity of purpose in the introduction of demonetisation, needs to come forward and play his role effectively. The primary responsibility rests on the shoulders of the young and the educated. Thye education system, its institutions, teachers and students are already being motivated to switch over to the non-cash transactional mode, creating less cash-les campuses right from schools to universities and other institutions. Its success depends on active involvement of vice chancellors, principals and other heads of organisations. The IITs and IIMs could take a lead and assist institutions that may need technical help.
If parents do not pay in cash in any transaction and insist on a receipt in every payment made, the impact on children would be highly positive. The children will learn the implications of honesty in paying taxes, and as adults not become a part of tax-evasion practices that have almost been institutionalised. Teachers and their associations must step forward in a big way to inspire and motivate them in neither to accept nor to make payments in cash. Yes, that makes them soldiers in the cause of national development and wellbeing of their wards, that includes generations ahead.
Education departments in States have a chance to lead by example by converting to cashless mode. National-level organizations like the University Grants Commission, All India Council for Technical Education, the National Council of Educational Research and Training, Central Board of Secondary Education etc must declare a date by which they shall switch over to the new mode. The NCC, NSS and other such outfits have a great opportunity to launch awareness generation programmes, and thus avail of the opportunity of being a part of national-level reform measures.
Certain prominent professions could lead the way. The most inspiring initiative in the process of national regeneration could emerge from the elected representatives of the people; MPs, MlAs, and Ministers. let them resolve to pay taxes on their income from public funds like all others drawing salaries from the same source. Can they summon this courageIJ Next, to restore their credibility, could be doctors and lawyers who accept one-on-one direct payments from their clients. The prevalent public perceptions about these categories are definitely not positive. National reconstruction requires ethical and moral basis. Everyone has to rise to the occasion and do one’s duty with sincerity and commitment. As Indians, we need to create an inspired and morally ignited India. For the first time, the common man is witnessing sincerity, honesty and political will at the highest level to combat corruption. We have a lifetime chance. let no one miss it.
(The writer is former Director, NCERT)