INDIA AGAINST CORRUPTION - CLEAR FOCUS ON LOK PAL BILL (ONLY) IS NEED OF THE HOUR - SEEK SUPPORT OF ALL

INDIA  AGAINST  CORRUPTION

Let me start with a relevant Historical story on India’s fight against Corruption.

Several Centuries ago – a king called Krishna Devaraya ruled over Vijay Nagar Kingdom. One day, he was praising his people in presence of all his Ministers, Court Poets, courtiers and court-comedians.

At one point of time – his praise for his subjects became so ludicrous – that Rama Krishna, his court Poet cum comedian, started clapping, in part praise and part ridicule – one never knows which way he meant it.

The king was suspicious and looked at him and asked him straight – why Rama krishna, Do you agree with my opinion of my subjects or not?

Rama Krishna promptly replied, my Lord, there is no question of disagreeing with your opinion. I was only thinking, what can we do for our honest, generous subjects.

The king was now interested and asked Rama Krishna, what he wants to propose for the subjects. Rama Krishna said, let us hold a great Party for the subjects at the Capital city  of Vijaya Nagar. Let us serve them a grand dinner with sweets, savories and all delicious dishes. The King’s palace has everything needed for it - except the daily need of Milk. Let the subjects pour  a glass of Milk each - into a huge vessel – kept at the four road crossing in front of King’s palace. After that, the King’s cooks will prepare all dishes – and we shall have a Grand dinner.

The king and everyone else agreed with great enthusiasm to this proposal of Rama Krishna.  Next morning, all subjects of Vijaya Nagar, lined up to pour one glass of Milk each. Soon, the huge vessel was filled completely. The King was watching this from his Place. He, along with his Ministers and Rama Krishan came to the Vessel, climbed on top of the small table kept by its side and took a look inside the Vessel. The Vessel was no doubt FULL – but, of water. Not a drop of milk was there inside. The King was crest fallen and understood why Rama Krishna arranged the dinner. Thereafter, he stopped his praising escapades – and started governing more evenly and effectively.

Whether this is a fact or fiction, we do not know. It could be a slight exaggeration. But, no one India really doubts that such a thing could happen in India. This is the tragedy. How many of us are pouring only water, where milk is the need -  we all know. This is more so today.

There is obviously a BIT TOO MUCH  of corruption – all around us – and many of us are part of it – one way or the other.

Every day, every incident reported in News Papers and other Media is a sickening proof that ; that, many among us are prone to sell ourselves for even small things.

Corruption is the EFFECT -  of our innate Greed. Corruption is the EFFECT -  of our innate lack of concern for fellow Indians. Corruption is the EFFECT – of our absolute SHORT SIGHTEDNESS (Myopia). Corruption is the EFFECT -  of our willingness to sell away the country’s prestige – and our own character – for a few Rupees.

The percentage of people who are corrupt – or, corruption prone, is not easy to estimate and will therefore never be known. The numbers are Huge. Yes. They may still be in minority in India. Even so – their number is very huge.

Some of them are not just corrupt; they are avaricious, immoral, inhuman and could be cruel beyond imagination. The number of RTI Activists, honest officers and other protesters killed, injured or even JAILED under trumped-up charges (and trumped up witnesses) is disturbingly huge and scaring in India.

Some of the Corrupt are Corrupt to the very core. They are the Hard core of the corruption in India. But, some (let us say, of the second category) are induced into corruption by the former category – but may be willing to get out of it, if there is no pressure from the former category. The third category are corrupt – only by compulsion. The first 2 categories threaten them to be with them – or else – face consequences.

Yes. There is a fourth category  - who, come what may, will not succumb to corruption.

This Nation, for that matter, any Nation, needs to identify the first category first and demolish them and their group mercilessly. Other categories will be set right automatically. We need Good Rulers (like Krishna Deva Raya), who not only love their subjects, but, are willing to be firm with the corrupt ones among them.

This today - requires HUGE RESOLVE on the part of the General Public Plus the last 2 categoriesmentioned above. They need to come together and bind themselves strongly – in their fight against the first 2 categories.

The first 2 categories have a tendency to protect each other strongly. The last 2 categories have a tendency – NOT TO PROTECT EACH OTHER, but to run away from the first 2 categories. This is their GREATEST WEAKNESS.

The Bad People join together for BAD PURPOSE very easily.

It is very difficult for GOOD PEOPLE to come together even for a GOOD PURPOSE and stick together to achieve the GOOD PURPOSE. This is especially so – in India.

Why so? Bad People’s Goals are very clear to them. They agree on each others’ Goals. They don’t mind small differences. They don’t need a leader. Their aim is one. That keeps them together.

But GOOD PEOPLE can’t sink even their small differences – and can’t agree on a simple, clear, viable GOAL.

They get lost on Utopian ideals. They see the small Black spots in each other with such a BIG FOCUS that the other good man looks like only a Black SPOT. This Good man can see nothing GOOD in the other Good Man. In fact, the Good man may even see something Good even in a predominantly Bad Man, but not in a predominantly Good man. Therefore, the world runs without both of them. Bad pervades more easily all around, than Good. That is – the unfortunate paradox – especially in India.

INDIA’s fight against Corruption – is a typical example of this paradox.

A STRONG LOK PAL may not be a TOTAL ANSWER for all the corruption in India. It definitely and surely is not. For that matter, nothing is a total answer for the monumental, gigantic corruption in India. But, a Strong Lok Pal is the BEST STARTING POINT for the fight against corruption in India.

We need a strong, viable, independent, powerful, highly motivated INSTITUTION with a single focus – of fighting corruption – and nothing else. Like Election Commission. We have seen what Sri Seshan could do, with an Independent Election Commission. It is a different thing that Politicians tried to water down the commission also. Yet, EC is still a Good institution, though not adequate.

Ditto with CAG in recent Past. We do see how the system of CORRUPTION is fighting the CAG – and how the CAG is doing his duty. I don’t see any great Perfection in what the CAG organization is doing. But, within what the system permits, they are NOW doing a Great Job. The CAG needs more autonomy, more powers, and more focus.

Ditto with SEBI (and NSE etc). When SEBI and NSE came on the scene – a wholly rotten, junk of a system which was there, was overnight thrown out – and suddenly Investors have a transparent, effective, unbiased, INVESTING PLATFORM – which they breathe like oxygen rich fresh air. SEBI+NSE may not be 100 percent perfect. As we said earlier, no system is. But, the autonomous systems brought in tremendous levels of improvements.

TRAI –despite all problems in Telecom sector – could still put in a lot of sense into the  Indian Telecom sector.

The Apex Court is a real savior for India. No other words will do to describe the Apex Court.  The Media in recent past – is doing a tremendous Job too – though it has its own weaknesses and failings.

INDEPENDENT, NON-POLITICAL, REGULATORS are the need of the hour and they can achieve a lot for INDIA.

WE needed a strong, independent, non-political, LOK PAL, in 1948. We are yet to have one. As days progress; as corruption progresses further and further, it will be more and more difficult to have a strong Lok Pal.

It is in this context, that we need to view the agitation by Team Anna.

“I want this Hen to be killed today. But, I want it to lay a healthy, beautiful Egg by tomorrow”. This is, in effect, what some of the Team Anna members are saying today. Can this happen? Is it not totally, absolutely ILLOGICAL?

We want Lok Pal in the coming session itself. This is a fair enough Demand. We needed a Good, strong Lok Pal in 1948. The Political class failed in giving it till today. But, this now looks like the second priority demand for Team Anna.

Now, let us look at the first demand. Immediately, we want a SIT to be set up against all corrupt (alleged) Ministers and MPs. Their number is just around one third of the Parliament.  If an SIT is needed against Ministers, why not SIT against MPs also who are alleged to be corrupt, criminal and so on. In fact, cases against them are already pending – and not moving in many cases. So, SIT against Ministers and MPs is the first demand now.

But, the Ministers and MPs who should stand before such SIT must first propose the SIT, form the SIT and go and STAND  in queue before the SIT!

Don’t we see how illogical the second demand is? Anyway, who DECIDES who is really CORRUPT? When the LOK PAL is formed,  the Lok pal  will investigate and declare and decide who is corrupt and who is not. We cannot and we should not. This does not mean that there is no corruption. There is. We want LOK PAL – at super fast speed. Then, LOK PAL will do that task – of rooting out corruption.

The FOCUS must be on LOK PAL, and Team Anna must press for it; and hopefully, many parliamentary parties will also support this demand. Many from the ruling party also will support the same. But, if day-in and day-out, accusations are made against one MP or another – who will remain in Parliament to support LOK PAL Bill?  This is simple LOGIC. At least, that is what I find.

Second, why speak of COMMUNALISM etc – when your fight is against corruption? Whoever supports ANTI-CORRUPTION MOVEMENT – all must be welcome. If you have seen some of the week-long Yoga trainings of Ram Devji – many Muslim Mullas, Moulanas, Moulvis, Sadhus, Sants, Gurus, Priests, Sikh Gurus, Buddhist monks and all others Participate in it enthusiastically. I have seen this myself, in the Sibir that I attended. I have seen so many YouTube videos too later. Ram Devji , in my opinion, is MOST SECULAR – and the most Indian at heart.

That many Muslim leaders have not participated in Team Anna agitations so far – for whatever reason – despite their protests against communalism. Ram Devji embraces the Moulvi and embraces Modi – with no animosity inside and no bias inaside. Team Anna’s call also must be to ALL – whoever wants to protest against corruption – but, fine, other BANNERS could be avoided. Do not at all be apologetic about what some loose tongues may say. That said, People like Prime Minister and President – need to be treated with due respect. They may be ineffective for some reason – but, I don’t think they are CORRUPT any way. The fight against corruption needs their support and blessings too.

If our EGO stands in the FRONT, and LOK PAL stands behind, neither of them will win. Corruption will win.

Anna and Ram Dev are both Great Leaders – with High stature. At one time, team Anna was not willing to stand by Ram Dev – for some small simple mistake he may have committed. Even now – Team Anna’s friendship with Ram Dev is said to be somewhat lukewarm. Not from Ram Devji’s side; but, from Team Anna members’ side. This is not correct. There will be differences in perceptions on many other issues. But, on LOK PAL, there should be no differences. In hitting out at Individuals, there are differences. So, Find common Ground. Crusade for LOK PAL. And for Lok Pal only.

I strongly feel that  DEMANDING LOK PAL is done by the core of your Hearts – all of you. I have no doubt in that. But, accusing people – is done by your EGOS. It is not needed. It is not even the time for it.  And, You are not the right persons to accuse people this way.

Please..Please..Please…do not lose FOCUS ON LOK PAL BILL.

And when Team Anna can appeal to Dr.Kalam and so many others, who have never replied a word…what prevents them from more wholeheartedly embracing a saint like Ram Dev – who was campaigning from a time much before Team Anna…against Corruption and Black Money…

Dr.Kalam and Others also will agree on FIGHT Against  CORRUPTION - but, have you every heard Dr, Kalam speak against INDIVIDUALS? He too will not support that. Make a more whole-hearted call to ALL. Of All Parties; of All non-politicos; of all religions; indeed, to all. There will a huge ground swell of support.

INDIA’S FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION must start with installing the LOK PAL. Yes. As one esteemed News Paper said recently, at least some Political Parties must also take up the Gauntlet against Corruption now. You can’t be on the sidelines. LOK PAL  is the need of the hour for INDIA. Team Anna has done well to focus on it. But, Anna’s Age and Health are matters of concern. Everyone must come and participate in the demand for Lok Pal.

I whole-heartedly wish all SUCCESS  for INDIA AGAINST CORRUPTION.

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INDIA AGAINST CORRUPTION = LACKING FOCUS = HEED BABA RAMDEVJI = STOP NAME & SHAME = START NAME & PRAISE = AIM TO WIN

INDIA AGAINST CORRUPTION

LACKING FOCUS

Corruption and Black Money are two monsters that threaten to devour India’s economy. They are deep rooted and deep seated. It would be wrong to think that some minister or top bureaucrat only can be corrupt. The man or woman at the bottommost of the ladder also can be corrupt – and in India, he too is. 

From the view point of Corruption, India can be divided into 3 categories now, like any other country – (i) The Corrupt (ii) The corruptible and (iii) the Non-corruptible. Obviously, the fight is category three against category one.

The first  Goal of the fight against Corruption is - to put in place strong systems which are deterrent enough – against people  indulging in Corruption.

The Lok Pal Bill is the one system – which can be an effective starting point for this purpose.

The Lok Pal Bill was needed 65 years ago.

It hasn’t come – and who is to blame? Will such blaming any way solve an iota of the problem?

No. It will not.

Thanks to various fortuitous circumstances, efforts of different Political Parties inside Parliament and the crusade against Corruption and Black Money by Team Anna and Baba Ram Dev –some sort of Lok Pal Bill got tabled in Parliament.

Now – the effort has to be to strengthen the Bill and get it passed.

This needs the support of the MAJORITY  of the members of Parliament.

Yes. This is the most crucial aspect of all this movement against Corruption and Black Money.

Whoever tries to build that support and pressure among MPs to support the strengthening of the Lok Pal Bill and Pass it with a GOOD MAJORITY – is doing the RIGHT THING.

This is the only way and the only sane way to go about in India’s fight against Corruption.

What is the wrong way to go about it? Abusing, denigrating, hurling unsubstantiated allegations against one or more MPs each week – leading right up to the Prime Minister -   is clearly the wrong way.

The MPs and Ministers whom some Team Anna Members are accusing are the ones whose support is needed to pass the Lok Pal Bill in Parliament. This is TOTAL LACK OF FOCUS on the Goal on the part of Team Anna Members.

Why should any MP VOTE for the Lok Pal Bill, if he is also branded as CORRUPT by Team Anna.

In this way – the Lok Pal Bill will take another 65 years to pass. 

Absolutely Nothing good will come from such bickering, denigrating, accusing, abusing – and as they call it, NAME & SHAME.

NAME & SHAME is a two way sword. YOU TOO can be named and shamed. 

If you don’t need proof for accusing - anyone born on earth can be named and shamed. 

That’s what the Government itself tried in case of Baba Ram Dev and many members of Team Anna. It was counterproductive, even for Government. It is not clear whether Government have understood and learnt the lesson.

Now, the same mistake is being committed by Team Anna members for quite some time from their side.

Calling Names and trying to shame people (especially those who need to pilot the Lok Pal Bill and vote for it) will not work. It will work in the opposite direction.

Sooner or later, the name and Shame game can start from the other side too. If NO PROOF  is required, anybody can play the game.

It is high time TEAM ANNA realizes the folly of indulging in this counterproductive, self defeating game of NAME & SHAME.

The time is for mustering the GOODWILL and SUPPORT of all MPS for the LOK PAL BILL. If someone is corrupt, Lok Pal will look into it surely. Your (our) task is only to ensure the successful passage of the Lok Pal Bill, as early as possible.

The time is also ripe for strengthening the Lok Pal Bill.

In this context, Baba Ram Devji’s words and methods need respect. What he said was right. Taking names in the campaign is NOT GOOD AT ALL  for the cause.

Team Anna must appreciate the goal orientation of these methods.

If he goes to BJP first, it was because, BJP was the one Party which also offered almost TOTAL SUPPORT even to Team Anna, to start with. But, Team Anna is frittering away the Advantage, by accusing every supporter of the cause among the Political class. 

It is now clear that Baba Ram dev is mustering support from all other Political Parties also. There are some die-hard, corrupt Politicians who will never change. Forget them. Others will support the Bill – if only Team Anna stops this self-defeating NAME & SHAME  campaign.

Yes. Team Anna has done Yeoman work in India’s fight against Corruption. It deserves praise for all that. But, this Name & Shame is not one thing deserving any praise.

Team Anna must also learn another age old lesson. Criticizing is easy. The criticized man will not change but will find all arguments to justify himself and his actions. Not only that, he will criticize you in turn. He too will find all possible arguments against you. No one wins in this BLAME GAME.

On the other hand, one must learn to praise the people. You don’t have to praise the evidently corrupt people. You don’t have to. But, there are so many NON-CORRUPTIBLE MPs who deserve praise. They are NON-CORRUPTIBLE even in the current atmosphere of CORRUPTION.

Advaniji, Sushmaji, Arun Jaitley are all NON-CORRUPTIBLE. And, so are Dr.Manmohan Singh, Pranab Mukherjee,  A.K.Antony and many others in Congress. Because they are in Government, they need to handle CAG’s views and others’ views a lot more. But, that doesn’t make them personally Corrupt.

The leftist parties by and large are free from corruption. TMC too is so.  Can’t you praise all of them for their non-corruptibility and ask them to crusade for you? Can’t you seek their support for Lok Pal Bill? Who else will support you? Kindly Stop this Name & Shame. Start Name and Praise. That is needed urgently right now. These people deserve the praise. They can support the Lok Pal Bill, if rightly approached.

I fervently appeal to Team Anna to stop the wrong tactics and adopt the right ones.

There is the second important Point that Team Anna needs to correct. Every time Team Anna members talk of JANLOK PAL BILL, they do give the impression, “my way, or the Highway”. Government also follows the same principle, “my way, or the highway”. Both sides must come down from their Positions.

Team Anna must understand that they too have accepted many suggestions from many people – and what is now before  Parliament – can never be JAN LOK PAL BILL; but, it can be a STRONG LOK PAL BILL which Parliament owns – not just Team Anna. This is extremely important. Parliament must own the Bill.

Words matter. A strong Lok Pal bill, which MPs can support, will not be a Jan Lok Pal Bill. Team Anna must learn to allow the MPs that much credit. So, talk of a strong Lok Pal Bill – not Jan Lok Pal Bill.

People want you to succeed in your Mission. But, do you want to succeed in getting a STRONG LOK PAL BILL PASSED – or would stand on some EGIO TRIPS like Name & Shame? This is what stands between you and the Goal!

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TEAM ANNA vs PM’S TEAM = Where is Lok Pal Bill? = Who thinks of it any more? = PM can & must Act = Team Anna must keep to gentler words

TEAM ANNA  vs PM’S TEAM

The ANTI-CORRUPTION MOVEMENT is meandering. It is deviating too much from its Goals.

India wants a strong Lok Pal Bill. It wanted it 65 years ago in 1947. But, the Governments are unwilling/unable to pass it – and they give out all sorts of excuses for it. Governments need to be severely indicted for this lapse on their part. 

It is because of this and such other costly lapses that today, India has the uncharitable name of being ONE OF THE MOST CORRUPT NATIONS in the world. And, it is sliding down further into the corruption abyss –with every passing day.

Every important office in India is seeped and steeped in corruption. The Non-corrupt in those offices are suffocating – because of the corrupt bureaucrat-politician-Police-Rowdy combination, that invariably compels them also into the same stink of corruption. So, even the non-corrupt is compelled into corruption out of the sheer necessity of survival.

Every scam exposed by CAG, is bigger than the previous – and yet, CAG is only pointing out deviations from rules, principles and ethics – and is not indicting people behind them. But, it is becoming so obvious – that CORRUPTION is behind most losses to the Government and Public.

There are very few cases, wherein Government itself voluntarily came forward to order a thorough probe – someone like Supreme Court had to tell them sternly.

There are states which are known to be hugely corrupt – but nothing much is coming out into the OPEN in those states. CORRUPTION kingdoms are well entrenched in those states – which is very obvious – and RTI activists are just getting KILLED for merely asking for INFO.  Yet, no action is being taken against the mafia – behind those Gruesome murders.

The Question in every citizen’s mind is – will Parliament Pass a strong Lok Pal Bill or Not? – and When? Does it see any urgency in it not? Please, for God’s sake, do not go on looking at PRIVILEGES in such matters. We have a sovereign right to demand of you a CLEAN GOVERNMENT, free of corruption.  No Parliament, No legislature should invoke privileges on people in such matters. 

On one side, MPs will say that Team Anna is going against Parliamentary Privileges. But, on the other side, they display NO URGENCY to pass the LOK PAL BILL – despite scam after scam coming out from different corners. Pass it, people will praise you. But, if you don’t pass it -  people are left with no option than to agitate. They have this sovereign right to criticize you.

The Anti Corruption movement of Team Anna started off with all NOBLE IDEALS – to bring about a strong LOK PAL BILL. It was an extraordinary movement which got spontaneous support from all across India. So was the movement of Swami Ram Dev against Corruption and Black Money.

But, Government and Politicians dealt with them as nastily as they could. The cases heaped on members of Team Anna and Swami Ram Dev were clearly a witch-hunting process. The mid-night scoop on Swami Ram Dev’s sleeping supporters was particularly deplorable. So, it is but natural – that members of team Anna and Swami Ramdev feel very bad about the Government – and feel a huge TRUST DEFICIT  in dealing with it.

If only the Lok Pal Bill was passed – and some measures to bring back Black money were taken by Government with some transparency -  Government would have retained its respectability in the minds of these agitators against corruption and Black Money. Today, the frustrating feeling is – another 65 years may go – but these Politicians will never pass the Lok Pal Bill – because, a strong Lok Pal will tie down some of them in their activities.

In sheer frustration, Team Anna seems to be calling names. But, that is not necessary and not correct. Team Anna and Swami Ram Dev must refrain from naming anyone as corrupt, unless proved so. More so, they must keep the respect of the August office of the Prime Minister.

Their attention and effort must be – on getting TOTAL SUPPORT  of all MPs of all Parties to vote for the LOK PAL BILL in the Parliament. This is what the country wants. If someone is corrupt, Lok Pal will take care of them later. Get the Lok Pal Bill passed. That is MOST IMPORTANT. The country needs it. We do not need your verdict on X or Y being a corrupt person. That is the jurisdiction of the Lok Pal.

Instead, almost every member of Team Anna is destroying all support from all MPs, with their unnecessary words against all of them. BJP did offer a huge support inside and outside Parliament for the Bill. What was the need to decry them? The Prime Minister also voluntarily had offered to be within Lok Pal’s jurisdiction.

This Prime Minister may be guilty of Policy paralysis, action paralysis etc – especially in UPA II – due to various reasons – but, without an iota of doubt, he is one of the most non-corrupt persons in India. So, calling him also as corrupt, and using various undesirable epithets for him – is in clear BAD TASTE. Members of Team Anna and Team Ram Dev must concentrate in mustering his support for Lok Pal Bill – and not turn him also against it, with their uncharitable words.

Most Politicians never offer apologies – and I don’t hope for anything like that from Team Anna too. Big Egos can’t see their own mistakes. Team Anna seems to be suffering from the same malady now. It needs statesmanship to acknowledge a mistake and apologize. But, apologizing for a mistake, knowingly or unknowingly committed – is the most beautiful, healing acts on earth. It is almost divine.

That said – every Indian wants the Prime Minister to be a performing Prime Minister. He must lead. If a minister, either of Congress or of its allies is not adhering to his advice, he has every right to pull them up. If required, even publicly. Now, the allies are pulling up the Government and pulling it down.

The way, some of the allies are behaving – I feel, the call to the people should be – as far as parliament is concerned – do not vote for regional parties – do not vote for allies at all -  vote only for national parties – if you want a PERFORMING GOVERNMENT. Otherwise, you will have a paralyzed Government. That is the lesson to draw from UPA II experiment.

That said – Congress also has a lot of blame to share. Could it not prevent A.RAJA from doing what he did – despite advices from so many people? Does it have to put up with all ideas of Ms.Mamata – especially on issues like Naxalites? The same lady was supporting Naxalites and opposing all actions against them earlier – and now says – you are a Naxalite, I will not answer you! Food and Agriculture Ministry failed very badly on food Inflation front – it was almost behaving as if God is the only Food Minister for India, and he only has to act – not the Food Ministry of the Government. Ditto on some other Ministries. Why this Policy + Action Paralysis? 

A Prime Minister must not be afraid of strongly ADVICING any of his Ministers – including allies. ALLIES must understand that they must obey the Prime Minister’s advices – and not the other way round. That is the very essence of Parliamentary Democracy.

A simple thing like Land acquisition Bill is not even tabled in Parliament. That at least seems to have nothing to do with ALLIES. There is a clear lack of vision. This Bill also was needed 65 years ago. The Land owner must get sufficient compensation – not just the price of Land – to enable him to resettle after selling his land for public purpose. 

Parliament must understand that the Land owner is THE COMMON MAN; and many times, the land you are taking away is his sole life line. You will take away and give him a pittance, then, the purpose is an ANTI-PUBLIC PURPOSE, not a public purpose. Is it so difficult to see this? Mahatma had said in 1940s – think of the common man when you legislate. But, the Government is only thinking of the RICH MAN – not the common man in this case. There is a huge unnecessary confusion on the word - PUBLIC PURPOSE. 

Infrastructure, communications, food, oil, Gas, electricity are all PUBLIC PURPOSES. Whether ONGC serves it or CAIRN /RELIANCE, the nature of purpose does not change. India needs electricity, Gas, oil, roads, food, water – these are basic needs. Government may provide them by itself – or through a Private initiative, or through a PPP initiative. The nature of public purpose does not change. 

If I am in a waterless, Roadless village, does the village treat water & Road as public purpose – or only Government supplied water/Road (which may never come) as public purpose? Why this dithering? Parliament is looking at the Rich man who provides – but is not looking at the poor man who uses it and needs it! The latter is the PUBLIC. His BASIC NEED is the PUBLIC PURPOSE.

…Waiting and wailing…to see a Lok Pal Bill passed…and the end of Policy Paralysis… 

This Prime Minister can do it.. I have no doubt..he just have to talk strong enough…Want him and wish him all success in (t)his PUBLIC PURPOSE.

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INDIA’S FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION = LOK PAL BILL = TEAM ANNA vs GOVERNMENT = THE BALL IS IN PARLIAMENT

INDIA’S

FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION

               

Are we witnessing that - Corruption in India has gone up by several notches, in the last 2 years?

Or, do we see that - India’s fight against corruption has gone up by several notches in these two years?

The Truth seems to be - Both.

The Prime Minister was candid enough to admit of coalition compulsions. But – evidently, it was difficult for him to speak beyond that – at that stage.

In India, the lower level corruption is suffocating enough – for the common man. The tragedy is- everybody knows of it; and yet no one even tries to make a dent on it, leave alone, put an end to it.

Is it so difficult to discipline a traffic constable, a land registrar or an RTO? No one knows why no one really wants to end the corruption even in these small pockets. These are examples. Many Government offices are reeking in corruption.

But, the reason why lower level corruption persists so rampantly – is becoming increasingly clear – when scam after scam is nailing the highest levels of Political and bureaucratic leaders. How will they have the heart to tackle the lower level corruption?

It has taken all the power in the hands of an Independent Judiciary, to force reasonably fast and straight forward investigations into many of the scams, unearthed by the Opposition Parties, media, press, CAG and a few others. 

For some more time to come – the media and news papers may be awash with scam news only – but, if the stern message goes round quickly – the scams too may come down quickly.

While the unearthing of scams may be credited to media, press and opposition parties – forcing the CBI to conduct a reasonably Good, Fast and straight forward investigation must be credited to the Higher Judiciary.

Where does Team Anna Fit into the Fight against Corruption?

Team Anna was instrumental in looking for a permanent, effective solution to the problem of corruption. Team Anna prepared the Jan Lok Pal Bill and forced the Government  into discussions on the Lok Pal Bill. It has also forced the Government to (propose to) introduce a Lok Pal Bill (however fractured) in the current session of Parliament. Team Anna therefore deserves all praise – from this angle of India’s fight against corruption.

Where did Swami Ram Devji fit into all this? In my opinion, he also  was a sincere crusader against corruption and his fasting also was largely successful. The midnight charge against him and his volunteers, the lathi charge and bursting of tear gas shells on sleeping / half asleep peaceful, unarmed volunteers has shown the Government in very poor light. Of course, that some of Ram Devji’s demands were impractical in the short run, also helped the Government. There was no one to advice Ram Devji to skillfully maneuver his agitation against the wily Political class.

In this aspect – Team Anna had and has  a few vocal, skillful crusaders like Kiran Bedi, Santhi Bhushan, Prashant Bhushan and Arvind Kejrival – apart from Anna Hazare himself.

It was certainly difficult for Ram Devji (or any body in that situation) to respond properly to the pell-mell situation created by the mid night charge on half sleepy volunteers. The small errors committed by him in that confusion (in assuming a murderous plot against him), and trying to wear a woman’s robes to avert it – weren’t the best responses -  but looking from his angle, not unreasonable and not unpardonable. It doesn’t make him any the less sincere in fighting corruption and Black money – compared to team Anna. It is just that he needs some good advisers in these Political fights.

In my opinion – it is wrong for Team Anna to keep him away from the Fight. It emboldens any Government to try similar tactics with Team Anna or any peaceful agitator in future. The 4 Bulls and the Lion story from Pancha thantra is to be remembered by Team Anna too.

But, much water has flown in the rivers of India since then. A scam a Day seems to be coming to light in recent days. Too many things are happening.

The Draft Bill prepared by Government is expected to be introduced in Parliament in a day or two. It may be referred to a standing committee straightaway – unless Opposition Parties force discussion on it.

What are the main aspects on which the Government Bill differs from Jan Lok Bill – and  what should be done about them? This is what Team Anna is strategizing and this is what the Opposition Parties are mulling over right now.

Evidently – Government is not right in many provisions of the Draft Bill it has prepared. This ,Team Anna is relentlessly exposing. But – unless sufficient number of MPs are convinced – the Jan Lok Bill provisions have no chance of getting accepted and incorporated in the Final Bill.

Team Anna is right in many things – but is not right in one thing at least. It is not right in not looking at all opinions and debating on them, and coming down a little, on some of their own demands.

After all – if both sides stick to their respective view points – there can be no meeting point at all. The Jan Lok Pal Bill will be forgotten, the moment, the Government Bill, with some modifications proposed by opposition are accepted and approved.

When the Bill is approved by the Parliament, much of the sheen on the fight for Lok Pal bill by Team Anna will fade away – since, the approved Bill will then represent the will of the people – and over 500 eloquent MPs will be standing behind it.

Let us admit that – some Politicians are corrupt – but many are NOT. It is on them that we all, including Team Anna, must necessarily depend.

Any improvements in the Bill will have to be carried out NOW, with the help of these MPs  – or else – we will perhaps have no further opportunities for it. It is therefore NOW or NEVER.

In what aspects should Team Anna come down?

I will mention one instance, for starters. Inclusion of the higher judiciary under the purview of the Lok Pal – will certainly not be acceptable to the Higher Judiciary. A non-Judge, judging a Judge – is not acceptable under the scheme of Independence of Judiciary – which is an essential feature of our constitution. I do not know if watering down Judicial Independence in this respect even needs a constitutional Amendment. The Politicians also do not seem to prefer it.

Also - if so many scams are today being investigated with vigour by the CBI – the full credit goes to the Independence of the Higher Judiciary in India. Yes. We do need an institution to look into judicial corruption – but let that be an independent part of the Judicial system – and not Lok Pal.

We still do not know how an independent Lok Pal is going to function in India. A Lok Ayukth in Karnataka may have unearthed a few scams, that too, at the time of laying down his job – but that is all we have to show (from this institution) for the whole country. It is not blaming an institution or the Individuals – Such new institutions need time to pack vigour in their working.

So many CECs were there – but  one Seshan made a lot of difference. So many CAGs were there. But, only now, people are talking of CAG. So many CVCs were there. Which CVC, if any, made any big dent in bureaucratic corruption?

Among all Lok Ayukths also, many in India remember only one – Santosh Hegde! So, a Lok Pal position – also needs a Gutsy, honest, energetic man – a man with a big mission in his heart. Otherwise, cleaning what today looks like the fabled Augean stables is a Herculean task.

Therefore, and for many other reasons – I feel, Lok Pal is not the best institution to tackle Judicial corruption. Let there be an independent Judicial body for it.

Should the Prime Minister come under the purview of Lok Pal or not? Yes. And, No. Both. It should not be suo motu. It should not be on the complaint of a few Individuals or one or two MPs. It should not be on the basis of Media reports. I would say – the Prime Minister may be investigated if, say – 100 MPs ask for it, on the basis of sufficient grounds. The institution of PM should not be dragged into small controversies. The same provision should prevail (with say, 50 MLAs seeking investigation) for the Chief Ministers of States.

Now – what are the institutions which must come under Lok Pal, to help him? The Anti–Corruption wing of CBI must come under Lok Pal. The Anti corruption wing of CVC must come under Lok Pal. There is No way that Lok Pal can function efficiently, if these Portions of CBI and CVC do not come under Lok Pal. This also implies – that these two bodies must not remain under Government control.

Lok Ayukth institution must be similarly constituted in all states and brought under Lok Pal. But, like High courts under Supreme Court – Lok Ayukths must function independently – and Lok Pal may keep advisory Powers on them.

The uniform Lok Ayukth bill must be a part of the Lok Pal Bill itself.

Should the Lok Pal have Powers to look into charges against all Government servants of all Grades.Not really necessary. Inclusion of Group A and Group B under Lok Pal, apart from MPs, Ministers etc is sufficient. Else – the total focus will be lost.

The Administrative vigilance wings which handle corruption charges against lower officials – must however report to Lok Pal – or the CVC under the Lok Pal – of all complaints of corruption, how they investigated and what was the result. In select cases – Lok Pal shall have Powers to seek further investigation, or, where a huge racket is suspected, Lok Pal may be free to ask CBI to investigate. But, in general, It is not appropriate to burden Lok Pal with cases against Lower level officials. It is counter productive.

Last question –

Should Anna Hazare go on Fast Now? What is the Purpose, Sir? If all MPs are taking a view on the Bill in the Parliament -  a Fast on the Bill outside the Parliament serves little purpose.

Anna has written a letter to all MPs. It is a Good Move.

A Padayatra to draw the attention of people and keeping up the heat on Government will be a Good move.

Meeting all ruling party and Opposition leaders – and placing your view points will be a good move.

Approaching the press and other media will be a Good move.

Galvanizing the opinion leaders of all hues – and also the general public in any other manner is a Good move.

But – a FAST, at this stage, does not look like a good move. It gives the Politicians a Good Handle to discredit a good movement.

Therefore – My appeal is – kindly keep up the pressure and be a little flexible. A little Give and take is always part of any good negotiation. The best path is always the third path. Not yours and Not his. That is how the world works.

We all wish to see a corruption–free India at the earliest and Tean Anna has to play its role carefully in it. We all wish to see that the Indian Parliament too, adopts a little more flexible attitude – and come up with a strong Lok Pal Institution.

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