Lokpal bill 3

Corruption in India: Its History, Roots and Current Developments
By Harmander S. Maan

"Corruption is worse than prostitution. The latter might endanger the morals of an individual; the former invariably endangers the morals of the entire country." - Karl Kraus

CORRUPTION IN INDIA

India, once known as the Golden Sparrow, is today's the third world 'poor' and underdeveloped country with widespread poverty. It's not that India lacks resources or skills; the disease which is keeping India on back foot is its political and bureaucratic corruption. Transparency International's study (2005) found that more than 45 percent of Indians had first hand experience of paying bribes or influence peddling to get jobs done in public offices. It also reveals that Trucks pay US$5 billion in bribes annually. In 2010, India was ranked 87th out of 178 countries in Transparency International's Corruption perception index. The corruption is so widespread in the system that people gladly give and receive the bribes and it's almost accepted as a custom in the offices. "Babus" in the government offices accept bribes with pride and consider it their right to be paid extra for doing their jobs. The procedures in a public office are so complicated to follow or to understand for a common man (due to the lack of transparency), that it has no other choice to either pay for the information or simply let it go.

India tops the list for black money in the entire world with almost US$ 1456 billion in Swiss banks (that would be about USD 1.4 trillion). Swiss Banking Association Report (2006) says that India has more black money than rest of the world combined.

THE ROOTS AND HISTORY OF CORRUPTION IN INDIA

There are many reasons for corruption in India. The roots are deep; deeper than we think. India has a culture of gifts and temptations. From dowry to 'sweets for the children', from Warren Hastings (Governor General of India, 1787) to the early independence policies of protectionism and public ownership, from 'license Raj' to criminalization in Indian politics, one can find it anywhere, corrupting the society.

In July 2008 the Washington Post reported that nearly a forth of the 540 Indian Parliament members faced criminal charges including human trafficking, rape and even murder or homicides. Vohra report submitted by Indian Union Home Secretary, NN Vohra in October 1993 explains the criminalization of politics in India. It reveals that political leaders had become the leaders of gangs and enjoyed the protection of bigger players (leaders) of all political parties. The parts of Vohra report which are unpublished, are believed to contain highly explosive material.

CURRENT DEVEOPMENTS AND THE 'LOKPAL'

Today India, along with China and other Asian countries, is leading the world economy. But the corruption is still there, more than ever before. In 2011 after a couple of big scams involving Union Ministers and big shots of the ruling government, public have had enough. There were widespread public protests and movements all around India led by social welfare worker Anna Hazare and a famous Yoga Guru and social activist Baba Ramdev. The latter is working for the return of illegal wealth stashed by politicians and businessmen in foreign banks over the six decades after independence.

'Lokpal' or Ombudsman is an authority or institution, created to provide protection to the people (from corruption and the corrupt obviously). The Lokpal is at the centre and its representatives called Lokayuktas (Ombudsmen in the states) are to be in each state.

• The institution is made to work swiftly, efficiently and with utmost authority. Lokpal is completely independent of the government (like Supreme Court and Election Commission).

• The investigations in any case have to be completed in one year. The loss that a corrupt person caused to the government will be recovered at the time of conviction.

• For a common man: if any work of any citizen is not done in the prescribed time in any government office, Lokpal will impose financial penalty on responsible officers.

• The Lokpal members will be chosen by judges, citizens and constitutional authorities and NOT by the government. So there is no chance for corrupt and weak Lokpal members. The entire function in Lokpal will be completely transparent.

• Existing anti-corruption agencies like CBI, CVC and DVACB will be merged into Lokpal.

• Lokpal will also provide protection to the 'whistleblowers.'

Today, on 4th August 2011, while I am still busy writing this article, the government's version of Lokpal bill was tabled in the Parliament which does not cover the Prime Minister within the preview of Lokpal during his or her term in the office. But after the PM demits the office, he or she may be investigated for any wrong doing. It also excludes the judiciary and any action of a Member of the parliament.

Anna Hazare and all the followers welcomed the new proposed Lokpal Bill by burning the copies of it. India Against Corruption said that the protest will be continued till 16th August when Anna will go on fast against the exclusion of several recommendations made by civil society members. IAC in a Facebook update on 4th August: "Copies of Lokpal Bill (proposed by the government) will be burned at Jantar Mantar today at 5 pm, inviting all citizens to join the start of Civil Disobedience Movement. Its now or never!!"

Only tomorrow will tell what the destiny has decided. The corruption will not go overnight; the youth has a big role to play along with educationists, parents and scholars.

"If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are the father, the mother and the teacher." - Dr Abdul Kalam

Harmander S. Maan