WILL CORRUPTION EVER END IN INDIA?

 

The leading newspaper headline read ‘As Anna prevails, India against Corruption activists end fast’. I was swollen with pride that finally this noble individual who has been enduringly contending for such a consequential cause has not lost his battle against corruption.

His successful hunger strike lasted for more than 280 hours and the whole of India backed him. The common man seemed enthusiastic about the movement. Lot of bikers could be seen on roads wearing Anna’s cap, carrying the National Flag. The support was magnanimous. And as the fast ended after the debate started in the Parliament over the JanLok pal bill, a sense of joy rained upon every national for such a ‘Hard but a brilliant triumph’.

End of Anna Hazare’s fast brings upon a smile on every Indian’s face but does that mark the end of corruption in India? Does that mean that there will be no misuse of one’s office for private gain? Or does it mean that it’ll only be a theoretical win as the proposed law is introduced?

Though the discussion has already started in the Parliament and the aspects raised by Anna on behalf of the people, have been duly addressed. And Prime Minister’s letter to Anna is a thorough assurance but the fear is that will this enactment really wipe out corruption to the core? I have seen corruption in every sphere of life-bribery, extortion, influence peddling, nepotism, scams, fraud, ‘grease money’, and opportunism. Every day the newspapers report about a few of these. If truth be told, will it go from the roots?

Like the Greek philosopher, Plato, argued in The Republic that ‘Only politicians who gain no personal advantage from the policies they pursued would be fit to govern’. We would all consent that such politicians exist in the state but only in the era of idealism.

The true victory would be accomplished when this piece of legislation is in fact implemented and it manages to stamp out corruption from top to bottom. A huge successful start is worth a celebration but it also brings upon the onus to persistently fulfill it to the very last.

 In 1982, In Singapore, LOKPAL BILL was implemented and 142 Corrupt Ministers & Officers were arrested in one single day. Today Singapore has only 1% poor people & no taxes are paid by the people to the government, 92% Literacy Rate, Better Medical Facilities, Cheaper Prices, 90% Money is white & Only 1% Unemployment exists. Let’s all hope that 2011 turns out to be a historic year for our country as well which sets a path for us to emerge as a corruption free progressing country. What do you say ?