Civic sense, or public etiquette, reflects how citizens conduct themselves in public spaces and impacts societal harmony. For many Indians, however, this awareness appears minimal. From gutka spitting on public walls to reckless driving and littering, these actions reflect a disregard for public spaces and the people who share them. The issue isn’t just a lack of civic sense, but a deeply ingrained attitude of treating public areas as extensions of private ones. Addressing these behaviours is crucial for India’s growth and harmony. In this article, we will look at how we as Indians lack behind in civic sense and the causes behind the same and in the end, discuss the solution.
Gutka Spitting: A Persistent Issue
Spitting is a persistent problem, especially among gutka (a chewable tobacco) user. In several Indian cities, public walls, pavements, and even railway stations are splattered with gutka stains. Sadly, even Indians who migrate carry this habit with them. In London’s suburb of Brent, for instance, where there is a significant Indian population, gutka stains became so widespread that local civic authorities ordered specific areas to be painted because even high-powered jets couldn’t clean the stubborn stains. This disregard for cleanliness reflects poorly on both the individuals and the community at large.
Road Discipline: A Dangerous Void
Driving on Indian roads often feels like a competitive sport rather than a cooperative activity. Lane discipline is almost nonexistent, with people frequently driving on the wrong side, overtaking recklessly, and disregarding traffic signals. Motorists often resort to honking excessively, adding to the already chaotic environment. Lane discipline and adherence to traffic laws are fundamental aspects of civic sense. Their absence results not only in traffic congestion but also in frequent accidents, road rage, and an overall stressful commuting experience.
Littering and Garbage Management: A Severe Public Health Issue
India struggles with waste management, and many citizens contribute to this by openly throwing garbage on roads, burning it, or leaving it in unsegregated piles. This lack of civic sense goes beyond aesthetics; it affects public health. Overflowing garbage leads to breeding grounds for mosquitoes, spreading diseases like dengue and malaria. Poor waste management and open garbage burning release toxic pollutants, further deteriorating the air quality and contributing to health issues.
Public Spaces as Private Zones
The disregard for public decorum extends beyond physical acts of littering or spitting. Many Indians view public spaces as private zones. It’s not uncommon to see people playing loud music or videos in trains or buses without headphones, or organising loud DJ events in neighbourhoods. Comparatively, countries like Japan emphasise silent public spaces; passengers are often advised to speak in low tones and avoid disturbing others. This quiet respect creates a peaceful public environment that is lacking in many Indian cities.
Queue Jumping: A Breach of Social Trust
Queue jumping is a common phenomenon in India. Be it at ticket counters, banks, or even in traffic, people often try to bypass others, disregarding the concept of waiting their turn. This simple act of cutting in line communicates a lack of trust and respect for others. When individuals break rules without consequences, others begin to question the point of following them, leading to a breakdown in social trust. Such actions not only disrupt order but also foster a self-centred, uncooperative mindset in society.
The Impact on Mental and Physical Health
The daily exposure to such indifference towards civic rules can lead to increased stress and anxiety. For example, sharing public transportation with someone who disregards personal space or plays loud music can be distressing. In contrast, countries with a strong civic culture offer an atmosphere of calm and cooperation, which positively influences mental well-being. Moreover, the garbage-ridden streets, polluted air from open waste burning, and congested roads adversely impact physical health, leading to respiratory diseases and other health complications.
Civic Sense and Mental Well-Being: An Overlooked Link
Poor civic sense affects mental well-being as well. Living in disorganised, unhygienic environments, where basic norms of public behaviour are frequently flouted, can create stress, frustration, and even depression. Cleanliness in public spaces, mutual respect in behaviour, and orderly public conduct foster a sense of calm and community, which is essential for mental peace.
Misbehaviour with Foreign Tourists
Poor civic sense affects India’s image globally. Videos frequently surface of locals misbehaving with foreign tourists, damaging India’s reputation as a welcoming country. When tourists face littered streets, unruly traffic, and harassment, it leaves them with a negative impression, impacting tourism and reducing the nation’s soft power.
Population and Poverty: Common Excuses for Civic Misconduct
Many argue that India’s population and poverty contribute to these issues. However, population alone does not explain this behaviour. Countries like China, which have comparable populations, maintain clean, organised cities. Poverty is also an inadequate excuse, as demonstrated by Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, which is known for its cleanliness despite being a developing city. Rwanda introduced “Umuganda,” a monthly community cleanup event where citizens voluntarily participate in cleaning public spaces. Such initiatives demonstrate that population and poverty are not definitive barriers to civic responsibility.
Education: The Missing Link in Civic Responsibility
The root of India’s civic issues lies in the lack of civic education. While schools include subjects like Civics, they seldom stress practical knowledge of responsibilities toward society. Most students view it as a theoretical subject, without understanding its real-world implications. Teaching students to clean classrooms or segregate waste can instil responsibility from a young age. The key to building a civic-conscious society lies in ingraining these values both at home and school. In countries like Japan, we see children are put into the habit of cleaning their classrooms as mandatory practical sessions in their curriculum. This is the reason why we saw examples of football fans from Japan in Qatar clearing their area in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Examples of Change: Indore and Surat
Cities like Indore and Surat showcase how civic sense can be improved with targeted efforts. In 2016, Indore Municipal Corporation collaborated with NGOs to promote cleanliness and proper waste segregation, ultimately transforming the city into one of India’s cleanest. Surat adopted a GPS-enabled waste collection system, creating accountability and ensuring timely garbage collection. Such models provide inspiration and prove that with effective education, enforcement, and infrastructure, change is possible.
Infrastructure and Enforcement: Essential Elements
The lack of enforcement also hampers civic responsibility. Though India has strict traffic laws, enforcement remains lax due to a shortage of police personnel. Effective enforcement could curb reckless behaviour on roads. Similarly, investing in infrastructure like adequate waste bins, toilets, and public seating can encourage better public behaviour. As seen in Indore, strict enforcement of cleanliness norms and penalising violators have significantly improved public compliance.
Community Participation: The Way Forward
The essence of civic sense lies in collective responsibility. Successful civic models, such as Rwanda’s Umuganda and Japan’s community cleaning practices, hinge on community involvement. Programs that bring citizens together to clean public spaces or educate one another about civic sense can foster pride and accountability. For instance, Bangalore witnessed a positive change when an individual painted over a spit-stained wall, leading locals to refrain from defacing it again.
Conclusion
India’s lack of civic sense is a multifaceted problem, stemming from inadequate education, poor enforcement, and a lack of infrastructure. Civic sense is essential for societal harmony and mental well-being, influencing both personal and public health. While India has laws in place, proper enforcement, civic education, and community initiatives are necessary to bring about change. Cities like Indore and Surat offer hope, showing that with determination, organisation, and community spirit, a cleaner, more respectful society is within reach.
(Mohd Ziyauallah Khan is a freelance content writer based in Nagpur. He is also an activist, social entrepreneur, and the secretary of Professional Solidarity Forum – PSF Nagpur Chapter, a networking group for professionals within the community.)
