One of the most important characteristics that a leader should have is Integrity. The importance of this quality would be core to a leader, especially if he is holding any public office and using tax payer’s money. One who doesn’t have this quality, doesn’t deserve to hold any government office.
The 2G scam has crossed benchmarks of being relentlessly greedy for personal objectives over duty-based obligations. It is not only an act of utter shamefulness, it only makes every fellow citizen even further away from trusting politicians. It is quite unfortunate to note that while politics as a subject is deep and for the benefit of the society, it has only got negative connotations, thanks to such politicians and scams.
But, while we debate on how this Rs 1.4 Lakh Crores (or so) scam happened in the first place, the questions and the consequences of this scam have far reaching implications.
I do not think anyone doubts the integrity of our Prime Minister. However, it is tragic to note that because of this notion of “coalition dharma”, such a corrupt Telecom Minister could make a fool of the system.
Yes, if the PM would have intervened while noticing that the telecom minister was not following the rules and regulations properly, it may have costed him DMK’s ire and hence a risk to the Congress led government. However, not daring to stop a scam like this, to either save the government or because of total ignorance of such an act occurring, only raises eyebrows from the common man on street. There have been some news reports indicating that certain MPs had highlighted related issues to the PM, even 2 years back. This makes many bewildered that why even then no action was taken.
There is nothing more addictive and loathing than the greed of power, which is driven by money. If this scam comes out true, as shown by an impartial CAG report (the report - which we understand from the media), then there is a need to make a case out of this, so much that no other politician dares to do something like this again.
I and many an average Indian would demand a fair enquiry. But, it is high time that there is a need for a strict Law that punishes such offenders. If POTA, TADA and the likes have existed in India, there is no other more important law needed in India than one that states accountability of our Ministers and politicians.
RTI has bought a revolution. It only needs to be taken to the next step – ACCOUNTABILITY.
There should be a strict anti-corruption law, under which all politicians and people holding a government office should be covered. And yes, I am not talking about just a regular bill which gets enacted, but something which is far more decisive and lays down a transparent process to enable a fast final judgement. The act should have provisions of severe punishment (not just few years of jail).
There should be a specific branch under Judiciary, at the highest level, which should look only at such cases. The process should be fast (not more than 3 months in normal issues and 6 months in complex issues) and if the Minister/ politician/ public servant is found guilty, punishment should be no less than ensuring that the person regrets cheating the nation and its people. Additionally, we should have an independent arm of investigation (and not CBI), which doesn’t come under the government and is independent (like CAG). This investigation arm should table a report in each session of the Parliament, highlighting the status of all issues of corruption against current and past parliamentarians.
Anti-corruption and vigilance agencies need to be re-modeled/ energized. Specific objectives should be laid and the officials running these agencies should be answerable to the public at large. Bi-annual media briefings should be given to the press to highlight the status of key corruption cases.
Lastly, the whistle-blower policy should be clear, strengthened and transparent. One who highlights the issue should not be harassed and the system should ensure that enough encouragement is provided to officials who are honest and ethical.
Let us be heard and let this be debated!
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