Much has been written about pros and cons of Lokpal Bill. The question is
- Do we really need to have a "Lokpal Bill" to curb corruption?
- Will that really solve the problem?
- Has our Constitution no act which takes into account what is being proposed in the bill?
- Do we need someone/something to remind us about the punishment in order to prevent us from being corrupt?
- What is the penalty if caught?
- Am I responsible? How?
Our great constitution is one of the robust in the world. There are enough laws to take care of corruption at all levels. We lack in implementation. Being robust, the constitution offers many loopholes to take advantage of. I would suggest that we strengthen it by eliminating the ambiguity and clearer definition of what is right and wrong. The penalty must also include making good the loss caused due to their actions.
We need to educate the police and the public regarding the relevant laws and how to use them. Awareness of law is a must to eliminate corruption. Everyone, whether the person is a minister, IAS, police, industrialist, artist or a layman; must be treated equally. As the police and legal machinery too can be pulled up for being lax, they will ensure that the word of law is enforced without bias.
For this to happen, each and every person must exercise his power. As a citizen every one of us has a right to voice our displeasure and ensure that such a person can never hold any responsible office. If the person is from politics, that should be the death nail in their political coffin. Any person found and convicted for being corrupt must be punished as per the law. The penalty recovered must be put in to a fund for national development. Can you imagine the amount of revenue generated by this simple rule. (our budget will never show deficit!!!)
Corruption is rampant in those places where the "chalta hai" attitude is tolerated. It starts with us, who take lightly to the news of corruption and hail such a person to be great; when such a person ought to be shunned and insulted. Corruption spreads because it is lucrative and one rarely gets punished. The punishment, if ever caught, is very simple and often the person ends up enjoying the fruits of corruption. The punishment must be huge enough to deter anyone to even think about it. (you can get away with speeding or missing a red signal by paying a fine of Rs 200/- but imagine if the fine were to be about Rs 10,000/-). There must not be any 5 star treatments; either you are guilty or not guilty. If guilty, you need to pay for it. Caste, creed, dynasty or who you are/were are meaningless.
So the next time you say "chalta hai", be assured that you are promoting one more corruption and you could have been THAT person who would have nipped it in the bud.
