Ashok Singh Jamwal
Corruption has been existing in societies since ancient times and continue to be a great concern even in present times.
Its impact is vast, distorting human judgment, corrupting the organizational cultures of businesses and government institutions, undermining economic and political development, increasing poverty, compromising human rights, and corroding the integrity of economic and political systems. It also causes extreme inequalities, destroys public confidence in Government and markets, and undermines environmental protection and climate change policies.
To over come this menace, some measures have been drafted which provide an overview of the varied definitions and devastating effects of corruption. They review different understandings of corruption, analyze various approaches to measuring corruption, and convey the “big picture,” explaining why corruption is a fundamental problem for all nations and people-perhaps one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. Various perspectives and exercises are employed to build the confidence and capacity of young leaders to engage with this urgent area of inquiry and to design solutions that address both root causes and systemic challenges. At its core, these measures illuminate how corruption is intimately connected to issues of integrity and ethics, such as those explored in more detail in the UNODC Module Series on Integrity and Ethics.
Raising Awareness and Education
There is an urgent need to generate greater awareness among the people of India, including those in Jammu & Kashmir, about economic, social, and cultural rights and highlight how corruption adversely affects these rights. Awareness generation programs should educate people about the services provided by the government and its related organizations.
Human Rights Value Education: Emphasis should be laid on human rights value education through awareness and sensitization programs across the country, including Jammu & Kashmir. NGOs and civil society organizations can play a major role, acting as a bridge between citizens and public service institutions, thereby replacing existing intermediaries. Examples from successful programs in other regions should be considered.
Efficient Implementation of Anti-Corruption Laws: It is essential to ensure that laws dealing with corruption are interpreted, implemented, and executed efficiently and expeditiously by the legislature, judiciary, and executive. Prompt and effective punishment for acts of corruption can accelerate grievance redressal mechanisms and promote good governance.
Fast-Track Courts for Corruption Cases: There is a need to establish exclusive fast-track courts to deal with corruption cases. Additionally, existing laws and enforcement mechanisms should be reviewed and, if necessary, amended to improve their effectiveness.
Witness Protection and Immunity: A system providing immunity and witness protection for those exposing corruption, such as human rights defenders, should be established. Enacting a whistleblowers’ protection act could be one way to ensure their safety.
Technological Advancements in Public Institutions: Technological advancements should be introduced in all public institutions and government departments, including toll-free lines, e-governance, transparent timelines, and SMS-based applications, to reduce corruption. This should be extended to all areas of public services in a time-bound manner.
### Proactive Role of NHRC
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) should play a more proactive role in addressing corruption. It should:
Monitor and Report: Regularly monitor and report on corruption-related human rights violations, highlighting specific cases and systemic issues.
Advocacy and Awareness: Launch nationwide campaigns to raise awareness about the human rights implications of corruption and advocate for stronger anti-corruption measures.
Collaboration with Agencies: Collaborate with anti-corruption agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector to develop and implement comprehensive anti-corruption strategies.
Training Programs: Conduct training programs for government officials, law enforcement personnel, and judiciary members on the human rights dimensions of corruption and the importance of integrity. Potential partners could include universities and international organizations.
Public Forums and Debates: Organize public forums, debates, and discussions to engage citizens and stakeholders in dialogue about corruption and human rights.
Policy Recommendations: Provide policy recommendations to the government for enhancing transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption measures in various sectors.
Enforcement and Follow-up: Ensure rigorous enforcement of anti-corruption policies and regularly follow up on reported cases to guarantee justice and accountability.
### Constitutional Amendment
There is a need to amend the Constitution of India by adding a clause to Article 51A, dealing with fundamental duties, stating that no one should indulge in corrupt practices. Additionally:
Public Duty Education: Introduce education programs at all levels to inform citizens about their fundamental duties, including the responsibility to avoid corruption.
Civic Responsibility Campaigns: Launch civic responsibility campaigns to promote ethical behavior and discourage corrupt practices among citizens.
Legislative Reforms: Enact legislative reforms to strengthen the enforcement of fundamental duties, with specific provisions targeting corruption. Specific examples could include stricter penalties and streamlined legal processes.
Community Engagement: Foster community engagement initiatives to encourage local participation in anti-corruption activities and promote collective action against corrupt practices.
### National and UT J&K Conference
There is a dire need to arrange a National Conference, including representatives from the Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory, on the subject of good governance. This conference would focus on:
Best Practices Sharing: Sharing best practices and successful anti-corruption strategies from various regions.
Policy Development: Developing unified policies and frameworks to combat corruption across the country.
Collaborative Efforts: Encouraging collaborative efforts between different states and UTs to tackle corruption more effectively.
Public Participation: Engaging the public in discussions about corruption and governance to build a collective movement towards integrity and transparency. A proposed timeline for this conference could help illustrate its urgency.
### Conclusion
Addressing corruption requires a multi-faceted approach involving awareness generation, legal reforms, technological advancements, and proactive roles from various institutions and civil society. By implementing these measures, a significant step can be taken towards ensuring good governance and upholding human rights. This comprehensive approach, including the proposed National and UT J&K Conference, will help create a corruption-free society and foster a culture of integrity and transparency across India. Stakeholders are urged to adopt these measures to ensure a brighter, fairer future.
(The author is former Div. Sports Officer, JKSC)
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