The Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC) on Friday expressed concern over widespread rampant corruption practices allegedly plaguing the bureaucratic system in Manipur, stating that it is affecting every level from the lower clerical staff to senior officers including those in the Manipur Civil Service (MCS) and the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
MIYC Coordinator, MC Meetei in a release, lamented over the prevalent practice of demanding bribes at multiple stages of document processing and asserted that the same is not only a severe breach of integrity but also undermines the effectiveness and dignity of the administrative machinery.
The systemic corruption has manifested itself in an alarming manner where individuals seeking essential services or document processing are allegedly compelled to pay bribes, it stated. It further stated that individuals who are close to Ministers and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) are also supposedly implicated in such a corrupt network, demanding bribes for providing services.
It expressed discontentment that the unrelenting cycle of bribery has become a deeply ingrained practice, particularly in departments dealing with financial documents. This mismanagement not only hampers efficiency but also creates an environment where procedural norms are violated with impunity, it added.
It emphasised the repercussions of the widespread corruption, severely impacting the dignity of the offices involved, diminishes public trust which in return has a cascading effect on the overall morale of the workforce, where the sense of duty is overshadowed by a culture of bribery and dishonesty.
It also pointed out that the moral deterioration within the bureaucratic system is alarming, stating that it not only affects those directly involved but also sends a disheartening message to the public about the integrity of their institutions.
It highlighted the financial and emotional toll on individuals who are forced to pay bribes, adding that it has undermined their faith in the administrative system. The ripple effects are felt across the community, affecting the overall quality of governance and the efficiency of public service delivery, it noted.
It called for immediate and decisive action to address the critical issue. It is imperative for the government to enforce stringent measures against corrupt practices, ensuring that all levels of bureaucracy adheres to the highest standards of integrity and transparency, carry out training programs for officials on ethical conduct and implement strict adherence to timelines to restore public confidence in the administrative system, it maintained.
MIYC reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for a corruption-free governance system in Manipur and asserted that it will continue making efforts to eradicate this pervasive issue, it added.
