Prof. M K Bhat
Ever since mountains of cash were seized by ED in West Bengal,corruption has become a buzz word for TV discussions. One accuses the other and the other accuses the first and the mud- slinging contest takes place. The public gets to the conclusion that all of them are sailing in the same boat. It is also a hardcore fact that everyone pretends to be honest and some even declare themselves as “kutter” honest but the reality becomes visible when every question regarding the Scams is dodged in different directions.They advertise Zero tolerance towards corruption but things have not changed much at the ground level. The tall claims of being honest seem to be a dialogue from a Hindi Movie of early eighties.
Indian political parties are notorious for corruption worldwide. These political parties have no individual or united stand to do away with the menace of corruption in the country.It may not be out of way to speak that most of them are in politics to make their fortunes, so it is difficult for them to think against corruption in the country. In TV discussions when any political party is told about any scam done by its member, the answer from the spokesperson of the party comes that your party too is involved in this this scam.No regret or action for the scam of its member rather there is an attempt to justify one’s corruption by the corruption of the other.
Joe Bidden present President of America then Vice President had held corruption as another form of tyranny.It is the mother of all social evils and influences economy in a bad manner. PM Modi once said that the termite of corruption is so severe in our country that it needs anti termite injunction after every inch. India’s ranking in global corruption index 2018 has improved by three places.It still ranks at 78 out of 180 countries.It has yet a long way to go to become a corruption free country.
The prevalence of corruption is not new in our society. Britishers used it to further their interests and in the post – independence era it has become a chronic feature of our life. People have accepted it as a normal way to get things done. They have become immune to big exposes ever since Bofors deal. Every now and then one or the other expose becomes public and its size is much larger than the earlier one.
It prevails as commission in defence deals which has lessened a lot after the Make in India project got success,it prevails in job market, capitation fee in medical degrees, Hawala transactions, stationing of money in foreign banks etc. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his lecture from the ramparts of Red Fort on 15th Aug 2022 held that the time for decisive action on corruption has arrived.This was both preceded and succeeded by ED and CBI raids inWest Bengal, Delhi, Jharkhand, Bihar and other places.The West Bengal, Delhi and Punjab ministers had to go to the jail,Deputy CM Manish Sisodia’s house was raided by CBI and his chances of getting jail too can’t be ruled out. In Delhi Herald house was sealed, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul were questioned in this case. Congress workers agitated throughout the country for them.
Whenever a law maker is found involved in any corrupt practice by any investigating agency, he accuses the agency of working at the behest of the Government, then terms it as political vendetta, conspiracy to malign his image, policy to defame him etc are used but little is done to address the issues raised by the agency.This time certain new phrases like ED is as an extended department of BJP, BJP is a drycleaning machine which washes the corrupt after joining them. Besides this inflation, unemployment and mobs were utilised on the roads to pressurise the ED. People got pained by inflation as soon as certain offices were sealed.The action by ED and CBI in a selective manner as per opposition may give some succour to them but in the eyes of people it does not absolve an offender of his misdeeds.
Corruption flourishes in the country mainly because of aspirational society on the one hand and little avenues on the other. The fast growth of the population escalates the demand on the one side but the supply does not increase at this pace on the other.This mismatch leads to corruption of all sorts.It is worthwhile to mention here that Digitalisation by all standards no doubt is a big attack on corruption, the same can be held about GST and demonetisation. In case of demonetisation the intension was good but execution lead to certain problems.The present Central Government has taken many steps to control corruption but much needs to be done so that things become visible at ground level.
It is no secret that the virus of corruption has infected all the pillars of our democracy and gets manifested in innumerable ways. It may not be prudent to pin point only politicians,the fact is that judiciary, executive and even press work in tandem to nurture corruption in India. However the law makers have a bigger role to play.It is well accepted by one and all that politics nowadays has become a pure profession devoid of any intention to perform social service. People join politics to brighten their fortunes.It is no secret that many politicians live a lavish life and have crores in their account without doing anything.The number of political leaders making illicit money is on the increase across the political spectrum of the country and needs solution to make the things happen.
Here are some points which I feel can make a difference:
Firstly, the Election Commission despite being independent has not been active to the extent it should be.It should be realistic regarding expenditure on elections. Currently a candidate can spend Rs.95 lakh in bigger states and 75 lakh in smaller states for Lok Sabha and for assembly constituency it stands at 40 lakh for bigger states and 28 lakh for smaller states.The amount is not only less but least practical.Besides the sources of fund to political parties should be checked regularly. The details of assets furnished by the candidates should be verified before allowing them to contest the election otherwise, it carries little value.It would have been prudent if the details are verified by the intelligence agencies before the candidature of any candidate is finalised.What is the use of data which is not verified? The election commission should frame basic eligibility criteria for being an MLA or MP and strictly adhere to it.
Secondly,there is an intense need of fast- track courts in all the cases of corruption to decide things in a fixed time frame. Generally,it takes years to decide such things till then new situations crop up and the decision loses its sheen and at times compromises take place.The impact of a decision should be visible on the ground level.Justice delayed is justice denied.
Thirdly, the enforcement agencies should not only be given teeth to bite but they should be made independent in real sense. They should not be like caged birds, rather their appointment, promotions etc should be made through independent tribunals.
Lastly the role of press can hardly be undermined.The press being the fourth pillar of democracy needs to play a mature role in all such cases. Instead of being the stooge of the political parties and polluting minds of the public with half cooked truth,it must work to bring all such people to book.
Once legislators improve other pillars of democracy will naturally improve and get strengthened.
(The author is Professor (M.A.I.T) Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi)
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