INDIA AGAINST CORRUPTION - CLEAR FOCUS ON LOK PAL BILL IS (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 categories mentioned 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’S FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION - COMING TOGETHER OF ANNA HAZARE & RAM DEV - WHEN WILL DR.MMS & SMT. SUSHMA SWARAJ COME TOGETHER FOR THIS?

INDIA’S FIGHT AGAINST

CORRUPTION

(06.04.2012)

One of the Best things to have happened recently -  in the fight against corruption in India is, the coming together of Anna Hazare and Baba RamDev.

For some  reason or other, Team Anna became TOO HESITANT to fight alongside of  Baba Ram Dev - after the Midnight  charge on Baba Ram Dev Camp by the Police, which left one person in deep coma and later, death - and many others injured.

If a Police charge happens on Half-asleep people, weird things are bound to happen. No one can be expected to behave in the most intelligent manner when awakened in sleep by a Police force, charging with lathis.

Even the media did much injustice to Baba Ram Dev in this - by projecting Ram Dev in a Bad light - without looking at the circumstances. At least some of the later pronouncements by the UPA political leaders mus have opened their eyes  - that they (the UPA) will act on Anna also in some such manner. Instead of supporting the cause for which Ram Dev stood up - ridiculing him for small slip ups was not the best thing to do - for the Media. It is quite possible that Baba Ram Dev did indeed suspect a possible attempt to kill him. And, there was no point in getting killed in that way, in half sleep.

But, in my view, it was Team Anna which some what cold-shourldered Baba Ram Dev after that. A friend in need - is the friend in deed. Ram Dev did need huge support from Team Anna at that Juncture. Even if Ram Dev was not important, the cause for which he was fighting was important. 

Every soldier fighting against corruption  is important and must be protected by the others - so that the fight goes on to a successful end.

Subsequent events saw Team Anna Members also facing number of charges. One is reminded of the four bulls and the Lion story which we used to study in childhood.

United we Grow.Divided we Perish,  This is the moral.

This country needs a corruption-free Government and corruption-free people. But, right now, the whole world knows - as we all know - that India is one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Do we, or do we not want to rid this country of this stigma of being one of the most corrupt countries in the world?

If Yes - all soldiers against corruption must join together. Not merely Baba RamDev and Team Anna. Every RTI Activist who is waging a lone fight against corruption and facing dangerous people alone - must join these two leaders.

Honest people in all Political Parties must also join the fight - leaving aside all Political loyalties binding them towards corrupt people.

Religion ,caste, creed, sex, state - none of these should stop any one from joining this fight against corruption.

Unfortunately - Bad people join together very easily for achieving Bad purposes. That is the order of the world. That is so in India too.

But, Good people fail to join together to achieve Good Ends - due mainly to their Ego problems. Ego must be sunk and people must come together.

At the same time - we must recognize that the fight is - mainly against corruption, as a practice. Not people as such. 99.9% of people will reform easily - if only they find sufficient emotional satisfaction in it. The hard core 0.1%, who are corrupt by themselves and would convert others also into their path, even by bullying tactics - they are the ones against whom - all Guns must be trained.

That cannot happen - unless all fighters against corruption come together and support each other.

The joining together of Anna Hazare and Baba Ramdev is therefore a significant step - but by no means a sufficient step.

And, there are weaknesses in the fighters  against corruption which can be easily exploited.

For one - Team Anna Members are developing a Penchant for accusing X, Y or Z personally for one reason or other - instead of first trying to get a strong Lok Pal Bill, with the co-operation of all MPs.

The Goal is the Bill - not X, Y or Z at this stage. Hanuman could have upturned Lanka and probably killed all Rakshasas himself - but, that was to be left to Lord Ram, and not accomplished by himself.

Likewise, Team Anna must leave it all to the Lok Pal; but, for that, it must first, get the Lok Pal installed. Unfortunately, Team Anna is putting the cart before the Horse. They need a sound Horse sense.

Get the Lok Pal. Get a strong Lok Pal. Get an independent, autonomous, fully equipped Lok Pal. Rest of the things, he will take care of.

What if over 150 MPs are facing grave charges? Will they have to vote for Lok Pal or not? They will vote, any way. So, why this self Goal - by Team Anna? Can't you envision your Goal clearly - the single most important thing - by doing which, all other things will be automatically done?

Get a strong Lok Pal Bill passed - that must be the only Goal. 

Here again, Team Anna says, they want Jan Lok Pal Bill ! And, every body else says, Jan Lok Pal Bill is your baby, why should we deliver it? Can Team Anna not say - we want a STRONG Lok Pal Bill? can they not mentally and verbally stand now for a strong Lok Pal Bill, and not for Jan lok pal bill? If you do that small substitution of one word - more people will feel more comfortable, and more people will find less to criticize you.

And, the Fighters against Corruption - must also know how to praise and whom to praise too.

Whatever some may say against Dr. Manmohan Singh, he is one of the most honest Prime Ministers of India. We don't know whether the next PM will be as honest as Dr.MMS. Dr. MMS may be weak, meek, Powerless, soft or whatever, but, he is an honest PM. He does want to do whatever he can for India ; it is just that the coalition partners are un-supportive and some times, a few of his own party members also, are un-supportive.

Likewise, there are some excellent Ministers in the cabinet. There are some excellent opposition leaders too. Don't you find enough reasons to praise them unreservedly? 

Like - Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley in BJP - they are clean - as clean can be. Don't we find a reason to praise them? Modi in Gujarat may have some problems - but his record is corruption-free. If Time magazine can find reason to praise him, can you not find reason to praise him?

The leftist parties may have non-uptodate ideologies; but they are by and large MOST non-corrupt. Can't we see reason enough to praise them? Was there a time you praised Dr. Jaiprakash Narayan, the lone MLA ,founder President of Lok Satta Party, who is fighting a lone battle in AP? Why this isolationism on the part of Team Anna?

Corrupt are there in all parties. But, Good men are there too - in many parties. We must be able to see that; and praise the Good men and strengthen their hands and their power - against the corrupt men in their party and other parties.

Criticism comes easily to the tongue. But, Praise does not. It must be practiced. Locate the good men and praise them. Else, Good men also will see no reason to join you, or praise you, or support you. This, unfortunately is what is happening.

With each scam revelation, the facets of corruption seem to be growing in India. Likewise, the fear that a strong Lok Pal may not come at all in India is also growing.

Anna and Baba Ram Dev have a lot of responsibility on their head - to strengthen the fight against Corruption and Black Money. A lot of responsibility to consolidate the forces against corruption.

Let us hope that they will succeed. But, the strongest wish is - that Dr.MMS, Smt.Sushma Swaraj and Shri Arun Jaitley (and the Left leaders) must come together and give India a grand gift of a strong Lok Pal. It does not matter, if it is slightly different from what Team Anna wants. But, Give India what India needs - to root out corruption.

The Nation is ready to salute you - for this.

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SUCCESS ELUDES LOK PAL BILL - ANTI-CORRUPTION CAMPAIGN - Team Anna needs Focus - UPA & OPPOSITION needs to come together - India needs STRONG LOK PAL

Success eludes

LOK PAL BILL

< ANTI-CORRUPTION CAMPAIGN >

Various corruption scandals have aroused the nation’s attention in a big way, to the need for a strong corruption prevention mechanism in the country, away from Politicians’ control, to hit at the roots of this extraordinary menace of corruption in the country and destroy it.

The strong stink of Black Money in the Country can also no more be brushed aside – especially after the CBI itself has spoken of the mammoth amounts stashed away abroad by Indians.

The Anti-corruption campaign led by Team Anna has been a significant land mark – especially in drafting a strong Lok Pal Bill and forcing the Government to consider it – seemingly much against its will. But, ultimately,  nothing came out of its huge efforts. All the public protests staged by Team Anna were met by the Government in ways that will never do any credit to the Government.

The Anti-corruption Lok Pal Bill is now to be considered once again in Parliament in the current session. Will Government concede at least a few of the valid arguments of Team Anna and of the Opposition Parties, this time around? We will have to wait and see.

Why is India so hesitant and so much dragging its legs in having a strong Lok Pal Bill – despite being recognized by the whole world as one of the most corrupt countries?

The answer is a puzzle indeed. All parties in the fray have to share the responsibility in some measure – though the responsibility of the UPA Government is the maximum.

Let us look at what went wrong – and what is likely to go wrong again – in India having a really strong Lok Pal Bill.

ROLE OF TEAM ANNA

MY WAY OR HIGH WAY: The ANTI-CORRUPTION CAMPAIGN  led by Anna Hazare and his team has presented a stubborn face of “Either my way, or the High way” right from the beginning either knowingly or unknowingly. Team Anna always says – we want the Jan Lok Pal Bill! There is a huge difference between saying we want a strong Lok Pal Bill and we want Jan Lok Pal Bill. 

Sri Arvind Kejriwal sometimes did clarify that some views of the Opposition parties, chiefly the BJP, are acceptable to it and Team Anna will not insist on its own version. But whenever team Anna speaks of Jan Lok Pal Bill, everybody starts feeling, it wants its OWN VERSION. In other words – team Anna wants “its way”. Team Anna is still not understanding that public opinion has veered round to the view that while a strong Lok Pal is necessary, the Jan Lok Pal Bill is not. Jan Lok Bill is identified with Team Anna and is anathema to many Political Parties (UPA and others). But, the words, strong Lok Pal Bill has no such identification with Team Anna or BJP – and is more acceptable to more people. Team Anna must learn to play its cards right and mouth its words right – if the nation has to get a strong Lok Pal Bill.

BROADBASE THE TEAM : Team Anna must develop state level campaign Teams in much stronger way. Every state must have a strong ANTI-CORRUPTION CAMPAIGN TEAM – led by good leaders who can mobilize grass roots support for the campaign. Team Anna has a long way to go in this respect.

HANDLING GOVERNMENT / UPA : It is true that UPA Government constantly tried to divert attention of people from the Anti corruption Campaign by allegations and smear campaigns against individual members of Team Anna. But, Team Anna did not handle the smear Campaigns intelligently and as a Team.

First, it failed to Support adequately Swami Ram Dev in his campaign against Black Money. The midnight scoop by Government, on the team of Swami Ram Dev was unprecedented in its methods. Swami Ram Dev might have committed some errors in Handling the mid night scoop which was not only totally unexpected but was ethically absolutely wrong. In half sleep, anybody commits such mistakes. The Nation should understand that. Especially Team Anna must understand that. No one can behave intelligently in Half-sleep. 

In my view, Team Anna should have stood by Swami Ram Dev in that period and thereafter - much more stridently than it did. Subsequently, one after another, many members of Team Anna fell victims to UPA’s smear campaign and various allegations. This was typical of the ancient 4 Bulls Vs The Lion story. The moral never seems to sink into the Bulls. United you live. Divided you perish. Even now, the intelligent thing for Team Anna is to unite with all people including swami Ram Dev – and support each other more stridently than at present.

UNITED FIGHT : Fighting Unitedly with all the ANTI-CORRUPTION campaigners is the best possible way to root out corruption in India. 

The leftists are against corruption. The BJP is against Corruption. Many sections of Congress are against Corruption. Lok Satta president, Jayaprakash Narayan is a strident campaigner against Corruption. TDP Chief, Chandrababu Naidu is against Corruption. Bihar’s Nitish and Gujarat’s Modi are against Corruption. So are Mamata Banerjee and Navin Patnaik. Mobilize them purely – for this SINGLE POINT CAMPAIGN. Request them to come and address your Anti-corruption campaigners individually on different days at different places. There is nothing APOLITICAL  about ANTI-CORRUPTION CAMPAIGN. It is first and foremost, against corrupt Politicians and then against  Corrupt Babus in Government. So all honest Politicians in all Parties must be asked to join the campaign or at least support it from outside. Team Anna must build consensus opinions on the Lok Pal issue, instead of saying – we want JAN LOK PAL BILL.

When Swami Ram Dev talked of Black money issue, many seemed skeptical about his arguments. Now, even the CBI is saying the same thing. Corruption and Black Money are not two different issues, but, one is the cause and the other is the effect; both are two sides of the same coin. You can’t fight Corruption and be silent on Black money or vice verse. Fight both simultaneously.

UNITING RTI ACTIVISTS : It is horrifying – that RTI Activists are being killed by different methods by the corrupt persons and mafia gangs in all States. RTI Activists are fighting lone Battles, which is not good for the country, and not safe for them. It is essential that these courageous people fighting against corruption are brought under a single umbrella and supported ACTIVELY – so that the anti-corruption campaigns remain effective all over India. In this country, Bad People Unite easily for Bad Purpose – but Good People do not Unite for Good Purpose. Bad people are more in number and have money/power etc as common stakes to unite with each other. But Good People want to fight individually, not willing to join each other. This tendency must be avoided. Team Anna must spearhead this “Unite and Win” campaign.

ROLE OF OPPOSITION PARTIES

The opposition Parties need to find a way out of the Lok Pal Logjam in Parliament – by withdrawing the hundreds of amendments proposed and making it simpler for the UPA to come up with an effective Bill. The goal must be clear. The country can’t wait indefinitely for a strong Lok Pal. It is now or never. After all, we lost over 50 years waiting for Lok Pal Bill and unless Opposition parties take intelligent, problem solving stand -  another 50 years can easily go in the same way. Forget Team Anna – but sit with UPA and resolve the issues and offer help in drafting a strong Lok Pal bill.

Enough has been spoken on the Bill. Now, there is no need for elaborate speeches and point scoring. What is needed is – the Bill must be modified and passed quickly.

The only point is – it may be right to suspect UPA of anti-federalist motives in any other Bill; but, not in Lok Pal Bill. If UNO is also urging all countries to have a strong anti-corruption Bill for their countries – we must also adopt a uniform Bill for the whole country. You can’t have a strong Bill for centre, a weak bill for one state and none for some other state. Opposition parties must  see reason in having a uniform anti-corruption bill for the whole country. The Bill will be common, but administering will be by individual structures for each state – with centre having no role on a state. 

ROLE OF UPA

No one really expected UPA to be so much resisting to the obviously good Provisions that Team Anna or the Opposition Parties proposed.

Many were left wondering – is this the same UPA which ushered in an effective RTI Act very recently? If UPA leaves the matter to its leader, Dr.Manmohan Singh, a strong Lok Pal may become a reality very quickly.

UPA can seize the initiative to make the Lok Pal Bill stronger than what was proposed by Team Anna and BJP – and it will lose nothing thereby but gain a lot. Its reputation will go up by many notches in Public Mind.

If CBI is under a strong Regulator like Lok Pal (for anti-corruption cases only), Congress will gain eventually. Country will gain hugely. Business confidence, corporate Governance, Public Governance will all improve considerably. Many crimes will get prevented before their happening.

If Group A and B are directly under Lok Pal, and Groups C and D are also brought under Lok Pal, albeit through their present Departmental / Ministerial Vigilance structures (which can be placed under Lok Pal) – Lok Pal will certainly not be a huge structure as UPA projected, but it will effectively use existing structures and make the best use of them, supervising their efficient functioning.

If a model Law is passed for states, eventually it will be adopted and implemented by all states. If state Law is incorporated in Lok Pal Bill, Opposition Parties must welcome it – and not stand on the plea of Federal structure to scuttle THE BILL on that count. Left to themselves, some states, deeply mired in corruption, will never like to have a Lok Pal Bill. The Bill can be passed for states – and the states can be left to develop structures similar to the central Lok Pal themselves – but, no state must have the option of NOT HAVING A STRONG, Uniform Lok Pal.

If UPA passes a strong Lok Pal Bill – the biggest gain for it will be a handsome win in 2014 elections. But, if it dithers further on it – it will have no further excuses to tell Team Anna or any one – not to campaign against it in 2014 elections on anti-corruption plank. UPA has to make its choice wisely.

ROLE OF MEDIA

In India the Media is typically one which very rarely looks into the Past. Today’s news Today – is good. But, Yesterday’s news which is still burning – cannot be left to the winds.

In my view, the anti-corruption campaign is one which can do a LOT OF GOOD  for the country and for Media itself.

It must lend all out support for a strong Lok Pal Bill. It must also lend all-out support to all RTI activists across the country – in their fight against Corruption and Black money in the country.

What I feel is –every Monday – the Media must start out with a one hour program on the MOST PROMINENT CASES OF  corruption, RTI Activist murders etc – apart from gang rape, other rapes etc on which Government failed to Act well – in LAST ONE YEAR. Media must adopt such a COMPULSORY WEEKLY REVIEW that will force Governments to ACT in such cases.

Media – for this purpose, includes, TV, Radio and News Papers too. India needs a strong Media Presence.

 All of us have a lot to learn from the Higher Judiciary in this respect. Many a time, Sections of Media and Government are seen ridiculing what the Judiciary says – as Judicial Activism. But, it is a fact that – but for this Judicial scrutiny, many corruption cases would not have seen the light of the day. Judiciary is also trying to cleanse its own  ranks. This Judicial Activism – which I think is needed very much India, sharpen itself and stay.

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