Harshini Brahmavar
Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Jul 27: Public welfare is understood as the provision of a minimal level of well-being and social support for all citizens. Unfortunately, at many levels, people are often at the receiving end of failure of bureaucracy and the political system.
Corruption is so rampant that things move faster under the table rather than over it. There is no denying the fact that each one of us has gone through this sometime or the other. The public often wonders as to which government will put an end to their problems.
Malpe-Monakalmur stretch (state highway 65) passing through the city is an example of how public funds are misused. The Manipal-Syndicate circle stretch of the road which is always busy due to traffic was asphalted two months ago by contractor Subudh Hedge.
Though the authorities pour crores of rupees into repairing these roads, it all goes in vain as the work done does not last long. Studies say that asphalt roads are supposed to last for several years, but the Malpe-Monakalmur road has shown signs of wearing out in just two months, thus inviting danger for motorists as well as pedestrians.
People are helpless and can do nothing other than complain. It is alleged that not all the funds reserved for the laying of this road have been utilized, that some part of it has gone into the pockets ofcorrupt officials.
The monsoon season cannot be blamed for the deteriorating conditions of the roads because, compared to previous years, this year Udupi has received lesser rainfall. The main factor that can be attributed to this damage is the poor work of the contractors and the misuse of tax payers' money.
Motorists go through bumpy rides along this particular stretch filled with potholes. The gravel stones strewn along the way pose danger to pedestrians and motorists as well. Needless to add, one has to drive cautiously on this particular stretch of road.
However, at present the road is being repaired on the order of Pramod Madhwaraj, MLA of Udupi.
This is not the first such case and definitely not the last. It is common understanding that present-day politics is filled with corruption. The government uses public funds, but a middleman working as a mediator between the public and government takes all the advantage.
When elections come around, politicians to impress the public say that there would be no compromise with regard to development, but the present situation stands witness to the false promises. The condition of roads reflects the apathy of our representatives towards development.
Chandrashekar, an engineer involved in the ongoing repair work said that the work would be completed shortly. However, only time will tell whether the repairs would benefit the commuters.
Times are changing. People are becoming aware of their rights through education; they have stopped being mere puppets in the hands of the government. Education has helped people in becoming broad-minded and not accepting the corrupt ways of our politicians.
Though a part of the public sphere does succumb to political pressure, there is on the other hand the group of people who do not tolerate corrupt practices; with the help of RTI, they stand up and question the work done by the elected leaders.
So, the time has come to raise our voice and wake up our government with issues related to public welfare. If our representatives continue their slumber, the public will be the losers and have to bear the brunt. The public must be ever vigilant and keep reminding the leaders of the promises to be fulfilled.