Corruption is Not Just about Bribes: Teacher’s Protest in Nepal

Fig: Teacher’s Protesting 

 

20th Sep 2023 (Scenario) 

Educators from every corner of the country assembled in the central attraction of the capital: Maitighar Mandala, Kathmandu in response to the call made by Nepal Teacher’s Federation (NTF).  The teachers gathered to start the protest (led by the NTF) against certain provisions of the recently introduced education bill by the government. 

 

I am not going to talk about the protest itself but about the impact it had on my life and the citizens living in the capital.  

 

 

1.  Price Gouging by transportation facilitators: Pathao 

      As a result, to the ongoing protest, every public vehicle that had the Mandala on its route was banned from running during the protest time. Being a public bus student, I found myself the victim of this incident as I, along with thousands of other passengers had to keep waiting hours for the vehicles to start running at the bus stop.  

 

 
 

 During this time of crises, we had hundreds of pathao riders (who work as an organization and charge money for transportation service) available at different stops to assist us. Now, what I evident was that these pathao riders were charging money 3x more than they normally would for the same destination. While some people agreed to go along with the riders, many seemed dissatisfied and furious with this opportunistic behavior. This might not necessarily be corruption, perhaps I see this as a very unethical & exploitative practice and subject to legal scrutiny. 

I feel, government should implement laws and regulations to prevent price gouging in the time of crisis to protect citizens from unfair pricing practices. 

 

2.  Time Corruption  

 Because of the failure of the government to quickly address the issue, the protest lasted over a week.  While this period may not seem much but at that time people couldn’t stop thinking “when is this going to stop?”. 

  

Everyone’s life was being hampered one way or another by that event.  

The city has suffered heavy traffic for over a week, Employees who were supposed to reach their offices at 9:00 a.m. sharp couldn’t make it on time neither did those students who had their lecture starting at 10. Ongoing development/construction works had to be kept on hold, all government offices and their services in the city were affected and people felt like the day was ruined as their job/work remained pending. These are only a few of many sectors that were affected. Ultimately, I couldn’t stop thinking that all our valuable time was being corrupted. 

 
 

“Why is government not taking any action regarding the issue” or “What does this protest has to do anything with my life?”, “Why am I struggling with this?” were the common questions aroused in the citizens of capital. 

Even though the government and NTF came to an agreement after a week of protesting, every single person wished and suggested that action should be taken immediately. Government should be concerned about the daily life of citizens and try their best to solve any problem as soon as they arise. This will prove beneficial for the country.  

    

 3. Corruption on Human Right 

Nepal, being a democratic republic country has clearly stated on its constitution that whenever dissatisfied with any government action, the citizens can raise their voice without any rise of violence (peaceful revolt is accepted).  

 
 The revolt from the teachers was because of their disappointment towards certain rules made by the government but they had no intention of raising any ferocity. In contrast, it was the governmental body (Police force) who were seen lathi charging (beating with sticks) to some protesters few times. May the lathi charge be for controlling the crowd, may it be for suppressing their voice or may it be for any reason, it was clearly an action of abusing one’s right. This incident also showed the abuse of power.  

 
 It is certain that protests/revolts like this one will happen again in future, but the government and its organs should deal with the occurrence in a peaceful manner and without physically abusing anyone. 

  

This blog is all about how a certain incident can have its effect on a large scale and that Corruption is not only about bribes. Resource exploitation, not appreciating other’s time, abusing of power and abusing of rights is also corruption.