Based on true event, happened somewhere in July, 2018.
Early morning I was in a hurry as I was getting late for my meeting, so I took a random taxi nearby my residence, arrived to my planned destination but the usual issue came up the taxi driver didn’t had small notes to break the 500 Afghani note I had… so later being convinced by the taxi driver I got off the taxi as he will drive just few steps ahead to ask for change in those shops in front of us… but right in front of my eyes he crossed the shops and drove ahead… I couldn’t believe my eyes I was deceived just like that… I couldn’t believe my hard earned money will be taken from me just like that… I was standing there in disbelief and in a bit shock… I really wanted to get my money back because the taxi driver didn’t deserved it… I wanted him to know he did wrong and he can’t just deceive me like this… I felt disappointed, angry and amazed that at that moment I couldn’t do anything about it…
What can my government that I have voted for, that I have paid my taxes regularly can do for me?
Now, I guess nothing. Because me as one of highly educated citizen of my country Afghanistan honestly I don’t know and I am sure I am not the only one:
- How the constitution define such small thefts? What are my rights?
- What is the procedure for handling such incidents? I obviously don’t want to go to the police station for such small complain, or pay further transportation fee to access government for filing my complain, or everything related cost me more than 500 Afghani, it should be free as I believe I must have right to claim my basic rights as citizen of Afghanistan, and as easy and convenient as possible …
Its government responsibility to define, advertise and explain the basic rights of citizens in order to create stability and peace in society, it’s government responsibility to be more accessible and accountable to create stable society for people, it’s government responsibility to give confidence and enable its citizens to claim for their rights… because otherwise people will always feel the gap which leads to distrust, disappointment and instability of the government.
MAYBE in future I could easily submit such small complains with relevant details just within 5 minutes to a mobile application (administered by relevant government authority), track my complain process and provide my feedback in the end of service which may help government to improve public services efficiency and accountability, MAYBE if government make some updates to regulations and upgrades and changes to relevant resources to make it possible.
