It started as any other day here. I had great expectations to finalize my report
data and get it down to the website. As with a lot of plans they don’t always work out as planned.
I met a couple of individuals who outlined the bribery and corruption they
have experienced in their lives. It appears that the main, but not only, culprit
is the government, especially the intermediate officials. The secret is to not use their
services and thereby avoid any problems. Sounds simple doesn’t it? How often do we
need government assistance: to get a licence; apply for a service; request funding; get
employment assistance. These would require some under the table funding and something
that would normally cost $100 would cost $400. The $300 is for greasing the wheels.
But that was not the reason why things went astray.
We were scheduled to go to a village to witness the milking of the milche animals
(cows). When we got there it was over. This is not a major problem but an official
should observe the process and he was with us.
Because this is a women’s self help project we had a meeting with the ladies.
They voiced many concerns and Isaac proposed many suggestions. It was a lively
group with the conversation much the same as the girls on the View. Everyone talking at once.
Near the end of the “discussion” two girls walked in, rather they came in with the
assistance of canes and crutches. The girl with crutches is in her second year of university
and is doing well. The girl with the cane was the problem.
It appears as though she came down with an illness two years ago and has become
progressively ill since then. She and her sister live in the remains of their house.
Their mother died a few years ago and their father remarried. A major storm hit the
community and their house collapsed. The father would not help them so the villagers
kicked him and his new wife out. They have been looking after the girls ever since.
The handicapped girl is 16. Her 12-year-old sister has taken over the responsibility of a job,
working in a rice mill for 30 R a day. They eat in the house ruins and sleep at a neighbour’s place.
The house could be rebuilt for $1000 but if that happened, the father would claim it back
so they are caught. What do you say?
I have brought the issue up because there are so many stories like this in India.
And we can’t help them all. BUT WE CAN HELP SOME OF THEM, maybe this one.
I will try to sleep on it, but it won’t be easy.