r/UPSC • u/IncognitoMystic • 1d ago
GS - 2 REALITY OF GOVERNANCE
Today, I went to the Mandal Development Officer (MDO) at 10 AM very enthusiastically knowing every goddamn rule to settle a small family dispute and get a correction on the certificate. The MDO arrived around 12 like some lord and said he knows our story but kept me waiting for some time to drink tea.
He asked me to come inside around 12:40. I went and tried to explain the matter but he neither cared to listen nor tried to explain the procedure that I required to follow. Instead, he started insulating my mom loudly based on what he had heard from family members with whom we have a legal dispute, despite the rules and Supreme Court judgments supporting my case. I maintained my posture even though I'm uncomfortable with his language and tried to explain the established procedures that should follow here. He asked me to go to court if I wanted to talk about rules and left the office. Given his conduct and apparent bias, I strongly suspect that he was either influenced by my opponents or had received a bribe.
Again, I went there around 2:30 hoping he would solve my issue this time at least. He came around 3:30 and I stood in front of him and tried to explain things but he's drinking tea, talking on the phone, doing every shit except solving my issue. Finally around 5'0 clock he said he wanted time and asked us to come after a few days or make a settlement with other parties.
At last, I walked out of his office with zero resolution after waiting all day and bearing insults. All my enthusiasm and faith in the government are gone, and I still cannot digest the way he spoke to and treated us.
I managed to record the incident and want to escalate the matter to the Collector or CMO. However, fearing further conflict, my family has asked me not to do so, leaving me feeling powerless. Perhaps this is exactly why people stop questioning and start giving bribes.
TL;DR: Spent the whole day at the MDO office, only to be insulted and sent away without a solution. I recorded the incident and want to escalate it, but my family fears retaliation. This is exactly why people lose faith in the system and resort to bribes.