Many aspects of life in Europe are impressive. Being courteous, caring and compassionate is a way of life and the only positive way to move ahead.
Remarkably there is not an iota of that VIP culture whatsoever. Traffic is never diverted or traffic lights switched off to make way for a VIP to despotically cruise through, while inconveniencing the public. The political class is always accountable, and they tumble at the slightest fumble. The absence of the malaise of political sycophancy is a boon towards a fair and dignified society. The all-round very high levels of transparency and accountability is what makes the difference.
One may never need to exercise the Right to Information, as those checks and balances of public scrutiny are inborn and always in place. A truly independent press that values freedom of speech also holds those with responsibility accountable in the public interest. The administration and the law enforcement authorities are totally insulated from any political meddling. And of course that institutionalised Corruption is not a way of life.
Public transport is so very dependable, clean, safe and extremely user friendly. And that very essential availability of Wi-Fi on trains, buses and even in almost every café besides public places is a communication bonanza. Water, Power supply and other basic amenities never falter. The resolute online services towards a digital world is commendable. There are systems in place that work and can’t be fiddled with. Daylight favouritism and nepotism is never seen, so also there is never room to jump the queue.
One can see high levels of quality control and accountability in all private and public works executed. In Goa that mind boggling Panaji Smart City man-made fiasco at huge expense to the taxpayers and still with no accountability is something unknown in Europe. Sanity and respect for rules, regulations and service levels in public life is what makes the world of difference for the common good.
