Mallika Sarabhai in The Times of India:
“The only thing that can make an impact is throwing 80% of those in Parliament into the sea,” said Mallika bluntly. “What ideology or integrity are we talking about? There’s hardly anybody who hasn’t been touched by corruption. India must be the only democracy where neta after neta and babu after babu has been publicly exposed as corrupt but not one has been stripped of his ill-gotten crores.”
Read the full article here: ‘Throw 80% MPs into the sea’
It has grown so brazen that JD-S and BJP can now fight in public about appointing one of their men as the KPSC head. Pretty soon we’ll see reports of how much people have “invested” to get these top posts and true to our character, we’ll accept it as normal just as we accept this KPSC issue.
Ms. Sarabhai is probably right. But isn’t she worried about what will happen to the real poor sharks and whales out there?
M/s Mallika Sarabhai is very generous. She thought by throwing away 80% of MPs in to sea, political arena of India can be cleansed. No chance, they represent only a small part of creamy layer of corruption The corrupt leaders are spread even to the core of the society with the decentralization of powers. Local body leaders right from the village, taluka , district and up to state level compete to excel in corruption.
About the corruption of bureaucracy less said the better. From village secretary to the chief secretary most of them face one charge or other. There is a collusion between bureaucrats and politicians for mutual benefit. One more partner in this thriving business is a section of public that is on its toe to do any thing for their gain. Bribery is akin to adultery where at least two have to actively participate
I think if all those involved in the act of corruption are thrown into Indian Ocean human bridge will sure to replace the so called Ramasethu.
Of course this is only a metaphor reflecting the wrath at the situation that is threatening the very existence of nation. In this age of internet and with a handy tool like right to information act , successful attempt can be made to contain the rot. A national level organization is to be floated with all the right thinking persons as members. It can start a news paper, a TV channel of its own to bring to light all the corrupt practices judiciously with facts and figures. A penal of advocates to be formed to file the PIL , follow up the same to its logical end where ever needed. Adequate research and consolidation of solid evidences is possible with the use of Right to information Act.
This process can percolate down to the district if not to village level. It is desirable to enlist the cooperation of all the interested locals and they can in turn identify the issue ,collect facts and take steps to control corruption at their level with the back up and guidance of State level organization.
Initially a blog or web site can be useful in documenting and exposing the corrupt practices. Definitely fear of exposure and facing the public will deter both the bureaucrat and politician.
A persistent effort and consistent action is capable of throwing the politician in to dustbin in the election. Babus are not bold enough to assert if they face threat of losing their livelihood. Can any one think of belling the cat?
Then only we can expect leaders with a little bit of respect, responsibilty and accounatbilty.