Further marginalising the marginalised

Irregularities and nepotism by local government representatives have disappointingly become a burden on marginalised people who are failing to benefit from society safety net programmes because of such practices. Some corrupt officials at the local government level, as reported by this newspaper on Monday, are criminally deceiving the marginalised, who are often unaware of their rights, and denying them of government facilities. We condemn this denial of the most basic facilities to those who need it the most, particularly when it is inclusivity that is called for in general and especially in regards to the marginalised.

This is particularly true in the times we are in. Despite the strides we have made in terms of development, there are those who are still left in a lurch. It is our moral obligation to ensure development that is inclusive in nature because that is what will benefit the nation most, as a whole, in the long run. Social harmony also calls for inclusivity for all, as the more we marginalise sections of society, the more social instability we will eventually have to deal with.

Most importantly, the government facilities in place for the marginalised are being provided using taxpayer's money as it is a social and cultural value of our people to contribute towards the well being of the less fortunate. It is a noble inclination which is shamefully being extinguished by these corrupt officials and their excessive greed.

The authorities must immediately bring an end to such criminality. Educating and making the marginalised aware of their rights is in order but the authorities must also maintain strict monitoring to root out corruption.