EARLY TIMES REPORT
JAMMU, May 10: Some of the politicians across party affiliations have been doing some philanthropy works for the last many days, by providing necessary items to the few selected needy people of their own constituencies but the sources of funding of these politicians have so far remained shrouded in mystery.
The extent of spending by these few politicians in the last few days points towards a fact that not the honestly earned money but black-money could be the primary source of funding for these types of philanthropist works.
Though the state government as well as district administration Jammu had also issued a circular restricting the uploading of photographs, videos as well as other media content regarding the help provided to needy people, on the social networking sites to gather publicity. So far such directives of the government have been confined to files only and the politicians have been openly violating such directives by excessive publication of their small philanthropy works. “Instead of contributing to the district administration, these politicians have been doing the philanthropy works in their individual capacity, by visiting various areas of their constituencies. Such activities helps the politicians to strengthen their grip over the voters of their constituency as well as save them from the scrutiny of the administration”, a politician said, adding that though these politicians could extend help by donating to the DC office or the PMCARES fund but in that case, they would have to show the source of their donations.
Most of these politicians are not businessmen or have got huge wealth and money from their ancestors. “Most of them are simply politicians and have served as legislators and as Ministers but a legislator gets salary not equivalent to the salary of a senior IAS officer. If the expenditures as well as the total salary and pensions got by these legislators, it will be not more than even One Crore and if the daily expenditures of these legislators is accounted for, they would have savings in few lakhs”, a former legislator said, adding that a legislator would only be able to spend modestly on his family, through his salary and pension.
“It is not possible for an honest legislator or a former Minister to spend so hugely on the philanthropy works from his honestly earned money. Such a huge amount can only be accumulated through various illegal works by these politicians, in which these politicians have great skills”, a politician said, adding that the charity from the money gathered by corruption is no charity at all but an investment by these politicians to consolidate their votes.
The politician further said that the politician, who would spend huge money, gathered by corruption to entice their voters, would ultimately do various illegal works to gather money, manifolds higher than he would have spent.
“The giving during COVID-19 lockdown by these politicians is usually done to get something back and in case of Jammu based politicians it is for power, business returns as well as to gain publicity”, another politician said and appealed the administration to take cognizance of such activities of the politicians, otherwise it would amount to legitimizing their activities, whether funded by money accumulated by corruptive practices. |
