Nothing to cover our collective shame

The news of rescue of over 90 bonded laborers from a mushroom farm near Raipur, Chhattisgarh is a shocking reminder of the state of our republic, society and its stubborn refusal to accept its progressive constitutional values. What is more disturbing is the social and systemic indifference, the denial that each of our institutions sinks into, and the worst is the cover up it attempts. Children, pregnant women and old all holed up into incarceration. Mobile phones snatched, no access to their kin or outside world, abuse and indignation all heaped upon them. No greater mockery of the constitution, its guarantee of fundamental rights or even human rights. Yes poverty and inequality is worsening. People would accept any job to escape their distress. More often than not, people are aware of what’s in store but they have no choice, than to hope that it would be better. All claims of national pride, fastest growing economy and religiosity have rung hollow. It has mirrored our conceited state. Our caste system has made indignation of our fellow countrymen so normal, that the “ banality of evil” stands reified in our everyday lives. The abolition of bonded labour act , mandates the district administration to rescue and restore the victims and prosecute the perpetrators. Release cards, and compensation are also provided for. The administration must at least fulfill its legal obligation, even if its ethical concerns are limited. It was reports of bonded labour, that had led to the birth of public interest litigations. The judiciary of a poor country with limited administrative reach and capacity had justly declared that if the victim cannot reach the courts, the court should reach the victim. Today when the administration has enough capacity to reach every individual, our judiciary is insentient. Last but not the least is the silence of the civil society. It’s no longer civil or social. Religion and nationalism have proved to be ineffective in informing our collective morality. Dr Ambedkar had rightly pointed out that we need to unlearn them and adopt constitutional morality. More than collective morality we need to reclaim our collective shame.