The mindless destruction of public property and utility services needs to be tackled with a firm hand. All across the capital complex, SBI ATMs down their shutters at 8PM following spate of vandalism. ATMs which serve an important purpose and one would say especially at night hours when money may be needed in emergency situations are now off-limits. These acts of vandalism and also the fact that an ATM at the high-security state Secretariat was also not spared is telltale of the law enforcement’s failure to maintain law and order.

However, to squarely put the blame on the authorities is tad unfair and citizens also have to take some of the responsibility.  

We really don't have self control when it comes to handling public properties. Defacing of public property is commonplace and is a sign that no care towards about it. Right from school level, these signs are amply visible. Schools in Arunachal are constantly suffering defacement and vandalization causing loss of vital property inside campuses. Mangled fans, electrical fittings are common in classrooms. At the end, such behaviour hurts the common man the most.

In recent times, destruction of public property has become a popular medium for airing grievances. A bandh, agitation or political demonstration seems incomplete without acts of vandalism and the resulting damage caused to public property.

Modes of transportation— both public and private have become a favoured target. The losses each year run into hundreds of crores and yet the government seems helpless. Perpetrators seemingly are growing bold in the absence of action and consequences.

The condition of the state guesthouses in Delhi, Guwahati, Mumbai have a lot to be desired. The below standard upkeep, broken fixtures, all cry out for attention. The general shoddiness however, cannot be only blamed on the state. It is a fact that rooms and utilities are given no thought by occupants and signs of spitting, breakage all points to this indifference.

Ultimately it is the people themselves who are suffering.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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