Every year, on the auspicious occasions of Republic Day and Independence Day, the Mangkolemba subdivision witnesses a peculiar phenomenon. Like clockwork, a flock of public servants swoops down on the town, taking their places of posting, only to vanish as swiftly as they appeared. These public servants are like seasonal birds, appearing only for mandatory attendance on these national holidays, leaving the rest of the year devoid of their presence.

 

During the rest of the year, the town remains devoid of these public servants, their absence leaving a void that is deeply felt by the local community. Many new faces grace the town on days of national significance, but their appearance is met with a mix of bemusement and frustration by the locals who have grown accustomed to their continued absence.

 

While mandatory attendance on these days might meet the letter of the law, it falls far short of the spirit of public service. The irony is noticeable; these individuals are supposed to serve the public, yet their fleeting appearances are hardly a testament to their commitment. They are essentially placeholders, namesake public servants who serve as a stark reminder of irresponsibility and inefficiency. The essence of public service lies in consistent and dedicated efforts to serve the community. Yet, these public servants only seem to appear for ceremonial purposes.

 

This phenomenon has not only earned these public servants the epithet of “seasonal birds” but has also drawn ridicule from the community. It is said in jest that the town experiences a traffic jam during these occasions, not due to the volume of vehicles but due to the influx of unfamiliar faces attempting to fulfil their mandatory obligations.

 

The problems faced by the community due to this negligence are numerous. Essential services are neglected and delayed, administrative processes are hindered, opportunities for progress are missed and crucial issues remain unresolved because the very individuals responsible for addressing them are absent for most of the year. It’s a disheartening scenario where the people’s needs take a back seat to bureaucratic formality.

 

It’s high time for this mockery of public service to come to an end. The people deserve more than mere attendance; they deserve public servants who actively contribute to the betterment of society, not individuals who are content with symbolic appearances. If these individuals are unable or unwilling to fulfil their roles, countless qualified and passionate unemployed youths would be more than willing to step up and make a difference in their community.

 

The need for strict actions against such public servants is evident. Steps must be taken to address this issue and ensure that public servants are actively engaged in their roles year-round. It’s time for a change, where true service takes precedence over mere symbolism.

 

Talimoa Jamir,
Mangkolemba

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