The UPA government's unwillingness to act against the abuse of political and corporate power has created a vacuum which others are rushing to fill.
Like millions of others across India, I have spent the past week repelled by the spectacle of a weak government entering into improbable contortions over the naive and somewhat bizarre demands of Baba Ramdev. And when the “toughness” followed in the early hours of Sunday, it came in a typically cowardly fashion — with police action in the dead of the night against unarmed supporters who did not pose an immediate or even potential threat to law and order in Delhi. Kapil Sibal, the government's chief negotiator, said permission to assemble at the Ram Lila grounds had been granted for yoga exercises and not politics. But people in India have the right to assemble peacefully and to put forward political demands if they so wish. If tomorrow, the organisers of a classical music concert in Nehru Park put up a banner demanding a strong Lokpal Bill, will it be OK for the police to wade in?
The fact that the Manmohan Singh government swung from abject capitulation to unnecessary confrontation in less than 48 hours does not surprise me. Its credibility on the issue of corruption is at an all time low. The pressure it is under has blunted its political instincts. However, sending four senior ministers to the airport to welcome the yoga instructor-turned-upstart politician and then hundreds of policemen to extern him were both acts of gutlessness which the Congress party will find hard to live down. Particularly when the Baba was not even serious about the issue of black money.
Everybody with any sense agrees that corruption is a serious issue and that all efforts must be made to end the curse of black money. But it is meaningless and even nonsensical to demand the framing of a new law to confiscate black money when we do not know where this money is, how much it consists of and who it belongs to. If the authorities had this information, they would be legally empowered to seize the funds and place their owners behind bars. But the passage of a new law will not make the gathering of this information any easier. Either the Baba is not a very serious person or he has allowed emotion and his broader political ambitions to cloud his judgment. Which is surely not a good thing for someone well versed in yoga.
The problem of corruption is not simply one of law but of will. The hold of black money over the economic and political system of India cannot be ended so long as the government lacks the political will to actually crack down on the printing press which generates it: corruption. Defined broadly as the abuse of political and corporate power for personal gain, corruption is the glue which binds this country's political and economic elite at every level of governance from the block and district up to the Union. Corruption is not an abstraction. Every crore that a politician or bureaucrat may have secreted away as “black money” in Switzerland or elsewhere is organically linked to the tens of crores of rupees in both “black” and “white” money outside and inside India that businessmen generate by getting favourable treatment. Corruption was an integral part of the “license-permit raj” of Nehruvian socialism. But it has grown to frightening proportions in our liberalised free market economy. Politics and business have come so close together today that it is sometimes hard to tell the two apart.
Any serious campaign against corruption by civil society or politicians, Babas or babalog must zero in on the system which generates illegal gains for those with power, influence and money. Such a campaign must demand that action be taken against those individuals who have abused their authority or sought to subvert laws and procedures for personal gain. But Ramdev's campaign was not about this at all. Which was why the government was also quite happy to engage with him in what it knew would be a meaningless exercise.
While there is always room for legislative clarity in the definition of offences, the implementation of any new law will remain a prisoner to this lack of political will unless it allows for independent investigation and prosecution. A strong Lokpal Bill may help remedy the situation somewhat but only if the ability of the government to interfere with the investigation or punishment of well-connected individuals is ended. Here, it is instructive to see what happened in a recent case decided by the Lokayukta for the Delhi government, Justice Manmohan Sarin.
In the same week that the UPA government agreed to discuss the entire system of taxation, finance, administration and education in the country with Baba Ramdev, its stiffness of resolve in protecting a junior politician accused by the Lokayukta of abusing his authority seems to have passed almost unnoticed.
The case concerned a Delhi minister, Raj Kumar Chauhan, who sought to interfere with the tax inspectors even as they were conducting a raid at the premises of a private establishment. A complaint against the minister was filed by a senior IAS officer, Jalaj Shrivastava, who was a tax commissioner at the time. After conducting an inquiry, which included collecting testimony on oath from the officers concerned, Justice Sarin found that the minister had indeed abused his authority on behalf of a private party. But his recommendation that Mr. Chauhan be sacked and proceeded against was rejected by the President of India on the advice of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Evidently, the MHA found Mr. Chauhan's explanation — that the telephone call he placed during the raid was nothing other than the routine expression of concern for a constituent — to be more credible than the exertions of the Lokayukta or of the upright bureaucrats who put their future career prospects on the line by becoming whistle-blowers.
The protection afforded to the Delhi minister, who is fairly low down in the Congress party's food chain, shows the extent to which the “system” is programmed to circle its wagons at the first sign of trouble. Even if one dismisses this example because the Lokayukta is still a young institution, what explains the continuation of Vilasrao Deshmukh in the Union Cabinet despite the Supreme Court holding him guilty of abusing his authority when he was Chief Minister of Maharashtra? Mr. Deshmukh had intervened on behalf of a usurious moneylender against whom some peasants wished to file a police complaint. Instructions to go easy were phoned in to the police station concerned, which diligently made a record of the call in its daily log book. A system that is keen to stamp out the abuse of authority — which lies at the root of all corruption — would ask Mr. Deshmukh to leave the Cabinet now that his culpability has been confirmed by the highest court. But, alas, the UPA does not run such a system. Mr. Deshmukh got promoted to a more powerful ministry. And instructions have been sent out to all police stations in Maharashtra that they should no longer make a record of every phone call they receive from ministers.
If Baba Ramdev were really serious about fighting corruption, he would have hit the UPA hard at the places it was most vulnerable instead of trying to build his own political constituency through shadow boxing against imaginary foes like the Cayman Islands and the 1000 rupee note. As for the Bharatiya Janata Party and RSS, which have tried to fire from the Baba's shoulder, the less said the better. Why is it that L.K. Advani, who was the second most powerful man in India for six years from 1998 to 2004, woke up to the problem of black money only after his government was voted out of power? If there is a lesson from the farce that has been enacted in Delhi this past week, it is this: there is no room for abstraction. Instead of demanding the “return of black money,” let us ask the government why it has not signed an agreement with Switzerland of the kind the European Union has for the repatriation of taxes that the Swiss levy on interest earned by foreign account holders. Instead of the death penalty for the “corrupt,” let us ask why the Prime Minister is so slow to act against ministers who abuse their authority. Let us push for a strong and empowered Lokpal whose recommendations cannot be thrown into the dustbin.
I believe that Mr.Varadarajan has visualized and explained the definition of corruption in INDIA as a whole but I would like to say that he is either a pessimist or bookish in his approach.Practically everything begins with a scratch,we can not deal with every department and every office of India which is unfortunately corrupt in a single go.The aam Aadmi of India doesn't understand hawala and black money and hance been disguised successfully by the UPA and also the NDA so far.A revolution can't be won by a small group of thinkers but by a nation as a whole.I think the acts of ANNA Ji an BABA RAMDEV has sent a strong message to nation that they have been cheated literally so far by these corrupt leaders.Actually this call by ANNA ji is an eye opener to the whole nation and hopefully this will lead us to a corruption free India.
playing the game of politics with and against politicians on the backdrop of religion.....
A really good article. As pointed out, we Indians are so much into changing others that we forget to change ourselves. We are trying to change the ministers, but who will change me giving bribes for my personal ambitions? Education is the only solution. A change in this generation is very difficult, at least the new generation should change. Another major issue, we are creating an independent body like judiciary to thwart corruption, how do we know if they will be corrupt one day? Let's strengthen the existing laws and also enact laws with sense, rather than use our emotions to change our neighbour.
This article shows the author is totally confused and has not really understood what the fight is for. The fight is for a new institution which will make every one accountable and punish the wrong doers in a time bound manner. A Strong Lokpal will certainly make corruption and black money difficult and put fear in the minds of the people. That is exactly why every one is trying to stop this struggle at any cost.
Congress has made a hero out of comedian.
Pretty nice article but the author forgot to add our rights as a citizen. One thing that I am afraid of is the loss of one's fundamental rights, Freedom of Speech and Freedom to assemble. If people like Baba Ramdev (with millions of supporters) can be arrested for speaking against the government then how can a common man with stand the mighty government for speaking against it. By this action, there is no difference between Congress govt and Gaddafi regime. This is a dangerous precedent for our young democracy. At the end govt should realize that there is no one above the law and protect the fundamental rights provideded by our consistitution to every citizen.
It is undoubtedly an excellent article. I wonder how and where can our Hon'ble PM get/acquire POLITICAL WILL? Is it too late now? In what way can I (we) contribute towards its cost, I wonder?
There are many issues in this drama. A. Every Indian wants India to be rid of corruption and the money laundered overseas to be returned to the country. B. The Congress has tried to hoodwink people by selecting an honest but unelected prime minister. He has proved to be incapable of providing direction and leadership to the cabinet colleagues and has no control over his ministers' misdemeanors. Agreed this cat doesn't steal milk, but it still doesn't catch the mice. So why have this cat to care of your home. C. The public desperately needs to vent their anger and displeasure at the large corruption scandals of the govt. D Anna Hazare provided one such movement. Ramdev has diluted it. E. Do you think Anna would do a back-door agreement with the govt. and then sit on a fast, like Ramdev did. F. Did the Govt. take a wrong call to raid Ramdev's 'Anshan'? Yes, they were wrong. But the timing wasn't. Had this happened at daytime, there would have been more casualties. F. Do you think Anna Hazare would have run helter skelter, changed into a woman's clothes and tried to sneak out or would he have courted arrest. I donot think he would have. G. If Ramdev had given himself up, would any of the the chaos, injuries and panic that took place have happened. No I do not think so. G If Ramdev had joined Anna Hazare, would the movement have been stronger. Yes, it would have. H. Does Anna Hazare have any political ambitions? I do not think he has.Is Ramdev's movement politically motivated? I would say yes. There is no harm in becoming a politician, but do not mislead a common man for your own ambitions. I. I think let us also look into ourselves and see if we have not indulged in bribing to get our work done or to get out of unsavory situations. Are we ready and strong enough to stop all this. I think most of us are not. Until we are, we will continue to be deceived by all the politicians. H. No politician can rid the nation of corruption, even if he has the will to as the political system is rotten. By voting, we are gambling, we will only be handed another bad set of cards. G. We need a disobedience movement- No taxes will be paid, no tickets will be bought on Govt. transport etc. till a time-bound return of money deposited out of India. We do not need Ramdev's who are trying to use this as a launch pad for political gains. We need one movement, Anna Hazare's movement since his started first and is non-political. Others should join in.
Excellent editorial. The problem is that we all believe in gimmickry more than concrete action guided by critical thinking. And the whole society is to be blamed for this attitude, it is an inherent part of our culture now.
Ramdev is an Indian citizen - he has the legal right as well as the moral authority to be a yoga guru, own property, start businesses or join politics. Just because he wears religious orange, is not fluent in English and is not educated in a westernized business school, doesn't make him any less knowledgeable or responsible. From his statements and writings, he seems to be much more in touch with Indian people and their issues than our honorable Prime Minister. Baba Ramdev was born to lead - he has the charisma, the wit and the courage to be a leader. Indian spirituality and nation building have always gone hand in hand. Swami Vivekananda diverged from spirituality to alleviate hunger of the masses. Kautilya being a priest was also an economist but also a great nationalist deeply involved in politics. We need to stop looking down at our saadhus and saints - India is a mystic land because of them. They are the ones who understand the Vedas, Upanishads, Vendanta, Ayurveda, Yoga, Vaastu, Jyotish. RSS/VHP are nationalist right-wing organizations - not terrorists. You may not agree with their agenda, but at their core they like to see India prosper and succeed as a nation. What is wrong if they extend their support to Ramdev or any other anti-corruption drive ? The existence of such organizations are not only legitimate but also necessary to balance out neo-liberalism and neo-secularism. In the US they have conservative republicans; in Israel there is the National Union. Even the most liberal European countries have far right wing organizations. Corruption and lack of freedom are the core issues of our society. Let us not get diverted by personalities, ideologies and histories. Let us make our country better by challenging the the people in power and making them accountable. What the police did at Ramlila grounds was despicable. They have injured a female Yoga teacher from Haryana who is now paralyzed for life. Her only crime was to sit on huger strike for an issue that concerns the nation as a whole. If you call that political drama, Gandhiji brought us our freedom through a very similar kind of drama which brought him love and respect from around the world.
The whole Indian political system is big entertainment show played in cohorts with both ruling and opposition party. Opposition put on spectacular hue and cry show until the docile public, vote the ruling party out of so called 'power'. Once in power they start lining their own pockets while sitting on their thumbs letting the new opposition raise the same hue and cry over the same issues. Erstwhile domain changing democracy has been reduced to nothing more than seemingly face changing exercise. The best example of how low the Indian politics has gone down is evident from mudslinging propaganda that goes around. Instead of focusing on developing and actualizing their merits they just hop on to shortcomings of the others. Pretty pathetic behavior come to think of it for 40-50 year old adults. With all that said, Root of corruption does not lie with the political system in place, but the grooming of the wards by their parents. Constantly one is awed, mesmerized and trying to emulate the so called 'well off' with little or no consideration of means that they are taking to achieve them. In a society where getting 100 bucks doing nothing but cheating is valued and appreciated more than getting Rs 20 hard earned money is down right depraved.
Nice editorial, but could not provide a prediction on what is ahead in India. UPA or Indian state formulated during partition was a temporary constructs of a declining British empire. At the similar time, other states like middle eastern states of Egypt were also formed. China was also formed. Now it appears that in all these states, indigenous movements are emerging, and threatening those nation state constructs. UPA or NDA..does not matter, but one thing is certain that the entire post-colonial world is going through a new configuration, and a period of instability. With Ramdev and UPA clash, we just entered this broader instability period in Asia. Thus, when we look at Ramdev's events through this larger world view, we can make certain predictions. 1. UPA and Ramdev clash will continue for a long period of time. 2. A period of instability, care taker goverments etc will come up. 3. Finally, a new nation state configuration will emerge, where either India will disintegrate or become much more stronger by re-integrating the pre-partition India.
Any sane person should read only The Hindu Newspaper. This article hits right on the money. I strongly recommend this particular piece that makes 100% sense. Citizens! please wake up to reality.
Very good article.It is very useful for the people to understand the ground reality.How to start india corruption free.give as a flow chart.
BJP is as corrupt, if not more., than the Congress. There are no angels here. As for other parties., CPI-M, Telugu Desam., AIADMK., DMK., BSP., and so on. Each has a history., and each has a record. From where will we bring 'good' people? A decent man cannot win a Municipal Ward election, let alone MLA/MP. This is the ugly reality on the ground. However, since the political system is rotten and corrupt., we cannot UNDO it. We have observed the case of Pakistan. They tried British System, Then American, Then French, Then Islamique., and made a hodge podge. Today after trying everything., they have no options left., and no system was allowed to take root. That country is collapsing., because the "pillars" are weak and were not allowed to take root. Yes, the whole of Indian politicians are corrupt to the bone., Yes., the whole of bureaucratic machinery is corrupt to the core., and yes., Govt. is not Public Servant., but Mai-Baap. Inspite of this., the system must continue. Poverty in India will not vanish witnin 24 hours. It will take 50-60 years of 10% GDP growth. But if someone says this., the public doesnt get excited. The public themelves prefer to be taken for a ride., in the name of false promises and false chariot-rides. WHY doesnt the BJP give a corrupt-free Governance in the states it is ruling., and present its case and development story, with societal justice (inclusive growth) as an example. Simply chat-pata statements on TV and dancing at Raj Ghat (a Memorial) is not enough. You cannot hand over the country to charltans whether they are RSS or Taliban. They tried it in AfPak., and look at the consequences. RSS will destroy India. That is written in stone. Can India be saved from this man-made disaster ? Should one try it? We have a population dividend for the next 30-yrs. If we use this many number of young unemployed hands., we can change the face of India. Or the other alternate is to put these young men to rape and kill minorities/any one else who do not agree to their world-view. It is a moment for an average Indian to choose. BJP is catchy but a fraud. Congress is corrupt and bad., but a lesser evil.You can have a 'jhaanki' of what Gujarat is today. INspite of so-called development (media hype)., it has gone down in social index., and it has become a heartless, hopeless, love-less, hateful society. Save India if you can. (Mrs.Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi will have to sacrifice political power, and bring IDEALISM back into the Congress., otherwise i am afraid, hate and violence are quite catchy. these monsters and criminals of humanity may well hijack the indian nation on cheap slogans and fake chariots).
Dear Sidharth: The objectivity of the article and rationality are no doubt the best. But the question is government (of any party) does not listen or pay no heed to such objectivity. Secondly, given the diversity of our country, most of the times state level incidents (Delhi government) do not go much beyond the state. There are few cases which reach across the country like illegal mining in Karnataka. Furthermore, party like Congress has ruled this country most of the time but has very little to promote the justice. Whenever it is in power it brews scams and in plenty. That is why they come to power. Though Ramdev is an amateur in politics and apparently played in hands of opposition but so is most of the population of India. So in way he represents the common man of India, speaks their language and stands with them and IS ONE OF THEM rather ONE OF US. US - who are victims of corruption day in and day out. Congress was and is and the way it is going = Corruption.
Strange!!! Its unfortunate that now a days most of us are unable to understand the idea behind the demand of Baba asking for revoking high denomination notes. The idea is not new, the BABA is asking for the same since last 2-3 years. Neither the government heard this nor any media person took it seriously to debate on it. The question is how will it impact any one if he/she is not involved in corruption? We can always use our cheque books for higher amount transactions. Rather it will protect corruption the below way. 1) Difficult for people who are giving at taking under table bribe. 2) Difficult for our enemies to introduce fake notes to impact our currency value.
I am now 62 years old I am an ardent reader of this news paper since my teens. I had read interesting and thought provoking articles. But what is the use. Corruption is systematized. I am sad to see that our politicians are ruining this country and the days are not far off that we may over take our neighboring country in bring this country into an economic chaos.
Confucius says: Dont have precise laws; for its very precision allows for ways to pass over it.
I really don't know what we all want to achieve. In India we have elections every 5 years, conducted fairly and any citizens has the right to contest, hence our's is a reasonable democracy. If anyone thinks that the present government is not providing corruption free government, they have the right to elect whom they think would give a reasonably corrupt free government. Most of us already know even in the last election that 2G scam has happened. But we elected with a huge margin the minister involved in it. There is a fair chance that if he is allowed to contest the next election he will win because by that time J.J. would have earned enough bad name. The only way to get a clean and good government is people should never vote for any of the existing corrupt parties, that almost excluded all the recognised parties. We should dig and search for the good people still living in our country and beg them to contest the electiona and make them as leader. There are still people available who will be ready to serve the government with the meagre salary paid by the government. So we should identify them now itself and nurture them. But for some reason we can't find any good people to contest the election, than we have to accept that it is our fate that no one India is non corrupt and should put forth with ahat is happening now.
After just now received news that P.M. has asked all Central Govt.Ministers to declare their assets, I want to make two points here. (1) If this Rule of Declaration of assets was in force all these years, why it was forgotten for so many years ? Who is responsible for overlooking the implementation ? Mr.Varadrajan is right when he says that all Governments so far lacked in implementation. Our Constitution is full of checks and balances, but there is nothing in it to remedy this important anomaly.(2) If all Govt.Ministers declare assets etc. now,i.e. in 2011, Govt. should also ask them to show their assets, in 2005 and 2000. Then atleast on paper, explanation could be asked for the addition during this period. Actually there would be difference between what is declared assets and what are 'underground,assets.
Well written article. I also doubted Baba Ramdev's seriousness once I read his demands, which were naive at best. I do appreciate him for doing something at least. How many of us are willing to raise voice? We have become so complacent to the system over a period of time that we all have forgotten the power within us to change the system. System can be changed only by the masses and this is the only thing that has ever changed the system. We need to educate masses at the grass root level to fight against corruption. I will have utmost respect for Baba Ramdev if he calls all of his supporters to stop participating in the corruption, which happens in our daily lives. Again corruption requires two parties - one has to take to the initiative and stick to it, no matter what. That's how Gandhi did Satygraha (or non-cooperation movement). Change is not easy and requires that level of effort. Are we ready to make sacrifices???
The point of LK Advani raising the Black money issue is not properly represented. India or any other countries in world had little power/argument to pressure Swiss government to reveal names of tax evaders till 2008. When Tax evasion issues in US went through roof, and this resulted in US crackdown(followed by Germany etc) on heavens. Nowadays Swiss is slowly moving away from its traditional secret banking strategy. Swiss has changed laws to tackle Tax evasion issue, with which it is now possible for many countries to recover some evaded money!. LK Advani raised the issue when in 2008 when Tax evasion issues were raised in US( later in Germany, France etc). It would have been blind cry if somebody tried to recover the evaded money before 2008. When the window of opportunity to crack down on Tax heavens was open Indian Govt apathy should be seriously noted here. I feel the article didn't consider some issues into considerations, not representing the real facts!
I agree some of the demands of Ramdev are obscure but I disagree with author that his demand for bringing back black money is frivolous. Presently there is no law to deal strongly with black money and thats what he is demanding. No action has been taken yet because there is no law that mandates the govt to take stiff action to bring black money stashed abroad. It is also not the case that we have zero idea of where it is kept. UBS is infamous for all such activity. Also, Manmohan does have exact idea of who is involved behind black money and thats why he is not revealing names.
This is a classic case of the dog trying to catch its tail. The suggestions of educating the public about corruption is at best, very naive. I mean, who wants to part with his money. So corruption is a forced situation which begins and ends in the government, politicians and officials likewise. With the same corrupt leaders governing the same corrupt parties, where is the hope? And the author correctly pointed out the antics of BJP & Co.? If they come back to power, there is no reason, none whatsoever, to believe that things will change. So 'tis a vicious cycle. In spite being the projected growing economy that is India, it is still a dog-eat-dog world at the very crux of it. So while I am not a pessimist, I naively refuse to believe that things would get better. In fact, I have a more practical friend, who feels that it would be pretty safe to bet against.
Ramdev Baba is right in demanding a (blanket law)/ordinance terming black money as nationalised asset where ever it is in the world.In this day and age we can identify even one rupee/dollar move across the banks of this world.Banks have/use these tools on daily basis. Changing the number on a deposit is more easy than expected.We can talk with Swiss bank and negotiate a face saving for them and bring back money.Even Swiss banks want to be on right books of India.Remaining banks like that of Cayman islands,Dubai banks are also not hard.So all this hoopla of not able to bring, barriers, hardness toughness are but alibi's to run away from the problem.You can only stop people from being corrupt by confiscating their entire money.Otherwise there is no deterrance. Swiss, Dubai, Cayman islands are not Pakistan that they will say NO for whatever we propose.And of what use are our politicians if they cannot convince people in seeing through this unethical wealth(black money) and come on right trend.None of these banks are as big as Citi or Bank of america and want to be like that. Our govt. officials can get 75 countries on same plate for UN permanant security council for India but cannot get neutral countries to honor our ethical law?Does this not sound absurd.
Height of stupidity to say that we don't know who the money belongs to. It belongs to all Indians and was stolen during several decades of power mongering by mostly top congress politicians and their handful followers - all modern Jaichands (traitors).
Every one talks of corruption, corruption at high places - ministers and babus. Every day the common man who wants a job done, forget in a govt institution even in other private institutions and on road, he has to pay the bribe.No one talks about it. Whether Anna or Ramdev or any political party which talks so loud today has not addressed to this phenomena. They talk about Law to be made to curb it at high places , to include PM, President, Secretaries of Govt etc. Are they sure, corruption can be eliminated in the lower level of the administration and bring relief to the common man.No. You have talked about the venue. You have to take permission for any kind of assembly even for a marriage procession and use it for the said purpose otherwise it is not legal assembly. You can put up a banner but you cannot raise slogans supporting another cause. If you want to sing, sing don't shout. I would say instead of asking govt. for laws educate the people, ask them not to pay the bribe. Let them hand over the culprits to police. Let the civil society or the Ramdev followers help citizens, by their presence in such vulnerable places. Let them do some social service by guiding people as how too fill up a form or how to pay the money or how much to pay or the procedure to be followed to get their job done.. They would say,they do not have time for all this and it is job of the Govt. Law on paper will help None. Help,if you are sincere by your physical presence. I have seen many do like this in Hospitals, and on roads guiding the patients and the traffic etc.
I agree to few points but a proverb for you in hindi "Agar uthana chanhu to utha do pahar ko magar tinka be uthanao ko dil nahin karta hi"(If I wish I can carry a mountain but my heart says don't want to lift a lint of grass)all these talks doesn't effect these thick-skinned politicians.Its in their blood.
Hats off to The Hindu for publishing such a frank article. To put more pressure on government through cases like that of Delhi minister, there is a need for a dedicated section on newspapers like The Hindu which exposes misuse of power and government support to corrupt politicians. Such a section will definitely prevent these issues going unnoticed.
Excellent observations by S Varadarajan! We must also remember it is us the Indian Citizens who had been putting them in power. If anybody, Baba or Common man with a genuine interest should join hands with the like-minded to fight corruption. Enough laws are there!Or is it that every body falls asleep to things happening around them and are awakened only when artists like Baba appear on stage?
Fight against corruption is commendable and entirely legitimate, however, means are as important as the end. We cannot adopt "anarchy" that leads to a corruption-free Bharat. Look, who is talking ! BJP., whose National President was caught taking bribes on TV. They have hijacked Hindu Dharma to grab power and pelf. BJP's short-term goal is to grab power. The long-term goal is to undo the Constitution of India, and replace Gandhi with Savarkar, Jana gana mana with Vandemataram and change the National Flag. While the last 2 are symbolic, the 1st item is sacred. They want to wreck the Constitution of India first from within (stuffing bureacracy with RSS). The successful experiment of Godhra and Post-Godhra is before them. They wanted to replicate it on an All-India basis. Manmohan Singh foiled the RSS/BJP plans to turn India into an inferno.
This has got to be the most pointless article. Just another propagandist attempt to belittle a man taking on a system that supports this enfranchised, educated minority.
a) We all know corruption is bad and endemic.
b) We all know laws do exist to tackle it.
c) We all know these laws are abused or flouted from top down.
Ergo, it is NOT WILL that is needed to use the existing laws but WILL to frame new laws with teeth. Ramdev has attempted to provide that WILL by organising grass roots support against vested interests.
Perhaps this commentator should apply his will to tackle this scourge of 990 million people - Ramdev will applaud him. Similarly, the writer could applaud Ramdev for trying to give him stronger weapons. Or is the whole article a little disengenuous?
I would like to just point out one thing. Corruption has certainly come down since the days of liberalisation. It is just that lot of channels have come up since those days flashing news of corruption ever since the series of sting operation began after Tehelka. And most of the corruption is still in sectors which are not deregulated and under licence for eg. Power, Telecom, defence etc
1)As far as evicting Baba was concerned- as one who saw live the whole 4 hour operation-I clearly hold the view that things" got streteched only when Baba jumped into his supporters and who then gheraoed him.If anything Delhi police needs to be commended for keeping restraint.
2)On the electronic media, the less said the better-- they are showing pictures akin to the highlights package of a boring test cricket's play. So obvioulsy those who have not seen the episode live- will develop perceptions as per the highlights being fed!
3)Anna Hazare & team should focus on getting the Lokpal bill drafting complete and in line with their agreement with Government. I fail to see why they are taking up cudgels on behalf of Baba Ramdev- who apparently is a front for BJP.(Sadhvi Ritambara, Uma etc).
4)Majority of fellow indians- who are protesting vigorously-who while returning today from office if caught for jumping the signal won't hesitate to bribe the local cop and may be take pride in that!
How would you describe the people's anger? Baba Ramdev represents the rural anger of the people of India in its pristine pure form. We are fed up with the whole Political class and it is getting worse by the day. True that every person has to take a vow not to take bribe or give it. But it has to be cleansed by having right leadership. If Leadership is Queen of Corruption, naturally all are made corrupt so that whole system cannot take on itself. Naturally someone so moral, completely independent untouched by the system has to come and shake the rust off. Who better than the Sanyasi ? if you want to question the Intention or his trust has amassed wealth of 1000 crores , the important question is what are they doing with it ? He is serving the people of the country by making them as healthy as possible through Yoga. All his projects are aimed at Indigenous Products of ancient wisdom like Ayurveda. Sanyasi needs to amass wealth, because he is Selfless and he is doing the job of the government. Sathyasai Babas trust got water to Chennai which the government of TN could not do. For the middle class Intelligentsia , the wisdom and power of Brahmachari could never be understood. Swami Vivkenanda changed the perception in the West about India , his master was Ramakrishna Paramhamsa who did not even know how to read or write.
It would have been better if Mr Varadarajan had written "In addition to demanding "return of black money" instead of "Instead of demanding".He knows that the money has been/being stashed away for a long time from the days of "licence permit raj and commanding heights of the economy", so its volume is huge and cannot be ignored as Mr Varadarajan is doing.
Baba Ramdev maybe the Don Quixote of our Anti- Corruption Movement, but there is something else that is very serious which is happening with India and that is our Right to get to gether and protest. In Jaitlapur, activists were not allowed to march to protest the nuclear power plants which are the most expensive and dangerous form of acquiring electricity. One young man was shot dead, women were arrested and jailed and slapped with 'Murder charges' to keep them in jail, an elderly woman of 90 years was also dragged to jail for protesting and the press and media WAS ABSENT. All this is going on as people who try to protect the country are being jailed and harrassed and those who are bent on destroying it with corruption and nuclearisation are scotfree with the entire navy, army and military to protect them. Something has gone seriously wrong with this country and I do not see any HOPE for a change.
Agreed Sir Congratulations on a wonderful write up!
How can a PM who gives powerful ministerial posts to persons who have abused their authority, looks the other way when ministers loot in thousands of crores and sends in the police to beat up sleeping protesters in midnight, be himself honest? It is the greatest riddle of the century.
Siddharth Varadarajan's "A weakness born of bad intent" (6th June) is one of the best commentaries I've seen on this shameful and shaming episode (the negative comments from Tinka notwithstanding). I'm afraid that Dr Manmohan Singh will now not last long as Prime Minister (if he tries to hang on). His claim published today that "It is unfortunate that the operation had to be conducted, but quite honestly, there was no alternative" is definitely incorrect, if not out-and-out dishonest. There were in fact a whole range of alternatives, none of which were even apparently considered: i) If the government was actually interested in doing something effective about the all-pervading corruption, that could easily have been done (and demonstrated to all Indians) - without making that huge fuss of sending umpteen Ministers to meet, greet and grovel before Baba Ramdev. If government had actually been doing something effective against corruption, then Baba Ramdeve could simply have been ignored from day 1. ii) That midnight raid on Baba Ramdev and his supporters was utterly foolish - and it was in fact, the worst of all possible options before the government!! What should have been done - if government had actually been doing something effective against corruption - was to let Baba Ramdev go on with his protest and to demonstrate to the nation's satisfaction an effective action plan actually addressing the real issues he was raising. (Several of Baba Ramdev's demands were clearly impractical and were not in fact been made seriously - that could have been demonstrated). Had government wished to stop Baba Ramdev's 'satyagrah', prominent notices could have been put outside the the Ramlila grounds - and Baba Ramdev and his supporters could have been given, say, 24 hours to clear out. (Of course, this was viable if and only if government could demonstrate that it was actually taking realistic steps to act against corruption). Now, probably the only now available to Dr Manmohan Singh is to resign on the grounds of proven incompetence. That will at least demonstrate that he is at least an honorable man.
A good thought on the present situation. Keep aside what baba is demanding and in what way. Still there question arises - is the govt serious about the whole crises? For the last 3 years UPA govt states that we are taking steps to maintaining the inflation and price hike. But all know there is no progress and govt is helpless as they are unable to find a solution. having such eminent personalities and such talented economists like Manmohan Singh, Montek Singh Alluwalia and many more. govt. is just waiting to calm the situation automatically. Then how somebody believed govt will take any step and implement it properly. BABA is an Indian and it is the right for every Indian to fight against corruption. So why govt.looks him only from the angle of a politicians and think as a member from opposition. We must look from every possible way to comment and take action.
Excellent article Sidharth. Baba Ramdev is indeed a respectable and powerful guru and a patriot, who has all the good intentions, but just lacks political wisdom. Maybe it would be better if some wise brains join him to guide him on politics, due to his selfless lifestyle and mass appeal, some good advisors in his team would make a great political power that would indeed prove to be useful for this country.
Siddharth's articles are usually refreshing reads, but not this one. SV's potshots trying to link Ramdev's yogic powers and his knowledge of the issue he is fighting are in bad taste. Besides, at the risk of sounding foolish, I really don't understand the logic of journalists like SV (in this case) in questioning the intention of this fight. What this article harps about is only the futility of the campaign because it IS being led by Ramdev, because there is lack of political will and that Ramdev's (and his supporters' therefore) understanding of the issue is flawed. SV says "Any serious campaign against corruption by civil society or politicians, Babas or babalog must zero in on the system which generates illegal gains for those with power, influence and money". Isn't this what Ramdev is trying to do? And what is this debunking of campaigners in terms such as 'babas' and 'babalog'? It smacks of a severe bias, SV. It does.
It could be any one !Anna,Baba Saffron,Green to pursue the serious issue of Black money India is facing !!Any one with a good intent acts according to his own wisdom & understandings ! But who is more responsible !! Anna,Baba or Present Government? The question is being raised for last several years ! why governing is draggings its feet on the black money issue !!
Article tries to defame Baba Ramdev and his efforts to fight against corruption. An article tries to justify its pseudo rational comments by critising the Government action first then actually defaming the efforts of Baba Ramdev and his supports to create moral and positive pressure on the Government to act against corruption. Article is low in content and is more in form of baseless allegations. Allegation that Baba Ramdev is not serious about the Black Money is to unsubstantiated after knowing the fact that he is campaigning whole country and raising this issue of Black Money continuously for at least past one year. There has to be positive outlook for the people who are trying to curb this menace of corruption which has penetrated so deep in system of our country. I feel that if there is anything with bad intent that is this article. If this article would have at all published it would been before the agitation started by Baba Ramdeve at Delhi.
Author has presented a good and analytical article. I want to aprreciate the comment by Mr. Sanjay Singh too. He has raised a good point of 'using 'crowds' to lobby for their demands'. It can have a far more impact on Indian Democracy in future, if not stopped now.
Excellent article!I believe that instead of trying to cut the branches of the tree,the focus should be to weed out the root of corruption.Exposing some names has a short term effect.If corruption has to removed then all of this should begin with parents discouraging their sons and daughters from paying bribes,by themselves setting an example.Corruption always persists because parents tell their children that bribing is 'a part and parcel of life'.
The Agenda of this Government is clear and that is to keep any demand to cleanse politics of corruption and black money as deeply buried as possible. And it is using the tattered and battered image of Mr Clean at the helm of the government to do so with as much impunity as possible. It is important to be recalled at this juncture the poll promise made by Congress and in particular the PM that action would be taken to bring money stashed outside the country within 100 days but alas it is only a poll promise!! At that time it was meant to blunt the item in the BJP Manifesto and it served its purpose. I believe that the best remedy for the tragicomical acts of this Government is for the entire media to ignore it totally and focus its energies on so many other issues that cry for its attention. When any of the ministers or party spokespersons find that there is nobody to listen to their defense of the indefensible, there is a chance for sanity to prevail.
An excellent write up. Thanks to The Hindu for giving an clear picture which dispelled all the ambiguity about corruption and how to deal with it.
It is a good article but what is new in this. Everybody knows that corruption flows down from the top but some where somebody has to start which makes people to think in the right direction, whether the demands of Baba Ramdev or Anna Hazare make complete sense or not. Respected author says that why BJP is doing now why not when they were in the power, same goes to the author and other journalists (media) as well - why write about how to bring black money now rather than before. Except a few, media always has been reactive not investigative, especially issues like this one.
It is truly disgraceful that a 'baba' is able to fool so many people, merely by growing a beard and wearing safron clothes. If a true Sadhu sticks to meditation and Yoga, he would not be worth millions and appear on prime time TV. This man must be called for what he is, a thug!Seeking a law to confiscate black money, whilst carefully engineering his own political base and putting forward silly ideas like an elected Prime Minister draws thousands in India. If we need Ram Lilas more often than during Dushera, we should commission a few more actors like Baba Ramdev! With all its faults, the Government has called a spade a spade!
Nobody disputes the fact that the Congress has failed to stem corruption within the ranks of the UPA or the country in general. Manmohan Singh is honest but ineffective. It is time for him to go. But that does not mean Indians should run behind riff-raff like this Pied Piper of Haridwar - Baba Ramdev. Where were all these rats when the BJP was (and is) looting state governments like Karnataka?
The PM may be honest but his party members (even at the highest levels) are not. Also, other politicians, including those in the opposition, are also involved in corruption. So, politicians of the ruling party and the opposition have a vested interest in hiding corruption. That is why, no legislation like the Lokpal Bill has been enacted to ensure transparency for the past several decades. Criminals have entered politics in a big way and they will ensure that the looting continues.
This article aptly describes the pathetic situation of bureaucracy in India. All this 'tamasha' taking place in the Indian polity has been skillfully dissected and described by the writer. But as this tamasha unfolds, it opens up one of the gloomiest chapters of Indian polity. And it is one of the gloomiest, because at this stage we find that neither the Indian government nor the opposition or any other major political party in India seems willing to take any concrete steps to fight corruption. Now it is time for us as civil society to recognize and bring to power some new faces who atleast have the will to deter corruption and to do some good for the country.
Good work by Siddharth Vardharajan. I believe that one gets right answers only when right questions are asked, keeping aside the hidden ambitions of Baba Ramdev the questions he has raised were meaningful only if he would have raised concern over certain prime pillars of corruption and how this government including the past governments have failed to address it but instead he is demanding something which is allowing UPA to reason and play bureaucratic games with him.I strongly condemn the actions of UPA regarding this whole issue by abuse of power and denying his fundamental right of speech and freedom.
Excellent article! As common man we can see that corruption is becoming all pervasive. Without researching and being preview to background information, it is hard to understand where the problem emanates from. This is where media and journalist play a key role. It is also a fact that many a time when the corruption is so pervasive the voices of freedom can be silenced. For explanation of this sample corruption case and so many more “kudos” to your article. Today our Democracy can best be described as a system that offers us a choice of this corrupt person Vs that corrupt person. For all of us who want to fight corruption one of the tools is transparency of process and freedom of information. For E.g. Election expenditure and donations ( the money trail) should be brought overboard and be publicly available. Common man needs to know that XYZ spent ABC crore Rupees to come to power and so and so – individuals/organizations provided support- money and otherwise, available for public preview. Declaring candidates wealth is a step in the right direction but only a baby step in this direction. The corrupt cannot be expected to weed out the corrupt.
People,the article to some extent is right in its own way.I am not a supporter of BJP/RSS.But how is it wrong if some members of these parties come and join Baba for the common issues.Why did not congress members come and join baba in the peaceful agitation ? Is Baba Ramdev is not a citizen of the country? Are any RSS members are not Indians? If you are really interested in the country's history,congress is the most communal party in India.They just manipulate people for their vote banks. Baba is teaching yoga from past 15 years or more and crores of people are benefited by it.I myself have been benefited. Baba never wanted to join politics and neither he wants to and even if he wants to join,what is wrong? So everyone is a citizen and have right to join politics or raise voice against corruption.Muslim and other religious organisations joined baba,why these media is not highlighting those. And Baba has been telling about corruption from years in his Yoga camps..not to gain political mileage but to make people aware that the country has enough resource to feed them ,but corrupt politicians whom we send to govern our country do not exercise the same..They become businessmen and try to loot people's money.
Read Mr P Sainath's speech about Paid Media. Baba Ramdev has been raising these issues from past few months..Did government of India was not aware about this? They did..But when finally they realized that every common man is with Baba Ramdev who is representing them,Government got scared and was not ashamed of treating the old men,women like what General Dyer had done in British Raj. Remember we are a democratic country and if we are raising our concerns in a peaceful manner,the government has no authority to do this.Govt is representing people..Not to overrule and use the power for their own means. The present government is heavily shouldered with scam after scam..So they could not tolerate another blame from people.They could not see common man especially the poor and the lower middle class coming to Delhi and agitating peacefully for their concerns. That's why they exercised their power.Why did they not do the same in Anna Hazare's camp. Because the crown was much smaller compared to the one had Baba Ramdev.. If people like Anna or Baba Ramdev will not represent them ,then who else for the common man? The same happened pre british raj. We got independence for people like Mahatma Gandhi/Swami Dayananda Saraswati,who represented for common people. Give solution..Do not just tell that it can be done through other means. People in this country are rotating hunger.So do not go by the corrupt politicians..They are just trying to run away from the issues and trying to divert people's mind from the issues making allegations.. If anyone is supporting for a good cause,support.them.Do not just blame for the sake of blaming.
If UPA's only intention to serve the aam admi, why do we need the Hazare's or the Ramdev's? Day in and day out we are paying atleast Rs 5 more than the real value on every goods and service in our contry. Since the last two years or even more, the inflation number never seem to travel south wards.90% of India doesn't understand the math behind the inflation numbers .netha should use your intellect to solve this problem of the amadmi rather than using it to make counter allegations on the opposition, and this even applies to the opposition as well.
Excellent article and very well summarises the events that have unfolded recently. It is not impossible to comprehend UPA's attitude and especially that of the PM with regard to corruption. Whatever progress we are seeing today in case of 2G or CWG is because of SC intervention. I do not expect UPA to improve because their barometer is against other political parties and not what is RIGHT. This is similar to a situation of Pakistan calling itself a victim of terrorism. What the future holds for the future generation then? The minimum we can do is to be judicious ourself and ensure that we do not encourage corruption in our day to day life. Gone are the days, when we could have expected leaders to guide the society. Society now needs to correct itself and this will produce better leaders. Blame me for being wishful, but this is what i believe strongly.
This article is right on the point. We the educated who don't standup in line to vote, who don't support mass movements like the one started by Anna and now by Ramdev should rise up and take the lead. This is very important for us and for our children. Lets do the million march to Jantar Mantar and show our support.
The best column I read on this subject.
LK Advani raised the issue of black money when in 2008 Germany was able to obtain the black money list by bribing the Swiss bank worker. Who knew how to obtain it from abroad? Moreover you know that any bank would not disclose account holders name. Added to that, why was the govt unable to rein in the issue when it knew that such a thing was planned since 6 months? Why didnt it adopt an open minded response? This article is just not written with all facts gathered or written with some facts suppressed.
Well a very good article but corruption is not a imaginary thing or something just happens. It's is nothing but starting from us i.e people so rather just concentrating on the branches it is to be treated from roots that is children who are the future who are our successors should be educated about corruption and made to understand about the moral and ethical values regarding society should be brought up immune to corruption if done i can say India would be a golden country.
Siddharth:: You hit the nail on head. Its no brainer. The government making a joker out of Hazare & Baba to derail lokpal bill and black money issue. This makes me think if Manmohan Singh is sincere in weeding out corruption. If he is a honest man, he should resign and not act as accomplice to the robber barons.
hats off to you sir for writing such an article/editorial.
Quite unexpected from an editorial in 'The Hindu'. The author has rambled on and on about how everyone is wrong in whatever they are doing whether it is slamming the Congress for acting without consulting their PR agency or denouncing Baba Ramdev for no particular reason at all. He does not forget to put down the BJP in a rhetoric that is now reminiscent of pro-UPA speakers - 'So what if we are corrupt? Weren't you corrupt too?' Not surprisingly, he totally ignores Anna Hazare and his so-called 'team'. Why? Aren't they part of this whole confusion? Or maybe, the way they've handled themselves makes it difficult for the author to find chinks in their armor. So, no airtime. If I can't insult them, they've no place in my article. What our dear author, Mr. Siddharth gives is a lot of ideas that could pass as the vision and mission statements of a host of activist organisations. But he seems clueless about how we, the people, can go about giving life to these dreams. Too much global gyaan. Too few practical solutions.
An analysis made with a biased mind and repeating the age old cliches of 'political will', 'asking questions', et al. Why didn't SV take up the cudgels when the Govt. silently struck down the Lokayukta's order or when Deshmukh was promoted? Given that this Govt. is not interested in tackling this problem, the law makers who we elected unwilling to pass serious anti-graft laws, there needs to be some sort of movement against this. If someone is taking up a cause aginst corruption, black money, etc., we need to keep quiet at the least, instead of critiqing with flowery words. Now I ask SV, why did he not 'ask' Dr. Singh the very same questions he has posed and if he did what 'action' has he seen on the same? As Shailendram says, these have been done umpteen times but since the law makers themselves are the culprits, we don't expect any headway. There is no hope ahead. We can only lament and cry like SV and get appreciated for great analysis!
A very balanced article that is needed at this tumultous juncture. Mr Varadarajan, has talked about the opposition, the ruling party and Ramdev with an open mind. Thank you!
India should also enter into agreement with Swiss bank where most of the elite Indians stash their wealth, similar to EU and other countries. That will be the real test of ruling party.
An excellent article, absolutely it is true that questioning the Govt over inclusion of corrupted politicos in cabinet, but dont forget there is readymade answer 'Coalition dharma'. If any thing that needs to be changed and can be changed is will and sense of voter. Let us beg voters not to send Rajas,Kalmadis, Ashok chauhans to parliament.
In the name of agitation for reservation a few years ago when Gurjars were burning buses, disrupting rail movement, destroying public property worth crores and crores and causing public nuisance for several weeks,this impotent govt did nothing but watch. However when the issue is corruption and black money, each politician is probably afraid that his chicken will come home to roost and hence sees some way to thwart this issue..so even a peacful meeting is broken up with high handedness..we dont need these kind of corrupt fellows leading the country.God save the nation.
The Baba Ramdev's proposals are really good, most of them. I see some of the folks telling him as having some political agenda, and he is being criticized severely as another political crook. I want to ask those people one question, what did YOU do against corruption and black money before you can comment on him? why dont you shut up and be happy for what good could be caused to the country coz of Baba Ramdev's actions rather than calling him as another political crook. Look at the direction we are going now, atleast there is a direction against corruption, without him we wont even be talking about corruption and Black money right now. Look at the west, they tend to be smart in these kind of things, they dont see who is going to gain at the end, but they see how it will benefit the society. Give it a thought!!
Sir, thanks for sharing your opinion. I am very surprised by 1 element in all of this anti-corruption wave (you call it a political game by Baba) in India is, the support people are blindly giving to the so-called leaders. These people are not being given money and loaded on to the trucks to attend massive political rallies but are the people from all walks of life. Students to teachers to vets to retirees. In my opinion this is because of the extent of our Govt.(current and past) have gone to protect and hide all acts of corruption and the way that has brought shame to the nation. Like the 2G scam, CWG scam and for that matter the way Govt. handled Karnataka's land scam (even though BJP rules there). Tell me how many laws have our Parliament passed in the past decade that is solely for the people's good. Women's bill anyone??? Citizens of the country have seen, not a single historic law passed in the near past. Who is going to believe these politicians? Also all the examples you have cited in your column about corrupt ministers being protected and promoted. But if Baba had gone against those adhoc issues that you have cited, the real issue of corrupt UPA face would not have come to the light. Because people have no solid information about those incidents happening or even if they have, UPA and MMSingh is very artistic to shrug that off by creating a committee of more corrupt politicians. My whole point is, we need a revolution to clean our system which can only be brought by shaking the very foundations of it (which is the parliament). You can analyze the whole situation through the lens of intellect and journalism but the fact remains that these politicians need more than just a stick. They are shameless.
Another gem from Siddharth. I believe all informed individuals realise that Baba Ram Dev's 'mission' was a farce. However, we cannot dismiss his and his followers right to protest. If nothing else, his campaign does paint the face of UPA II with a lot of smelly egg. The government's action on Saturday night was, simply put, a disgrace. According to Sibal we, the people of India, have been 'warned'! Oh really? Well, we certainly have been warned that the UPA is not serious about corruption, and will attack civil liberties at will. It is a dangerous precedent that has been set and arrogance of the government needs to be set aright. I repeat once more, one is only as powerful as one is allowed to be. It should be the government that ought to be warned. Its two-year celebration a couple of weeks back probably did little more than sound its death knell.
Since when did any PM of India ever put himself/herself before law? Oh! yes, of course, when they 'swore' upon the Constitution - sorry, they swore at it, not upon it. As for the President, they're stooges. Poor Pres. Kalam, the only stalwart in recent memory to uphold the position was probably the biggest thorn in the government. Anyway, he's been sent on his way. Doesn't this remind us all of the colonial times when the British govt. found these spineless royalty who would gladly sell their shirt off their back just to be pampered with some alcohol and some tidbits? Obviously, the current lackey of the PM and his govt., calling herself a President hasn't read her history. Oh! as for the learned doctorate PM, he's probably enjoying the role of being kicked in his you-know-what by all the corrupt goons in the government. One would give greater respect to an honest rickshaw driver than to a bunch of elected scoundrels such as these.
The author is completely unaware of black money issues like germany possessing details of 1500 a/c holders which includes Indians too etc. So don't say any type of nonsense that Indian govt don't know where to look for black money. Govt also have a list of 17 accused but they are not taking any action and diverted whole topic on one guy call Hasan Ali Khan (look on wiki for more details about him n his swiss a/c). They made his name public but for other 16 they are not taking any action and making some excuses for making their details public because many of them are two faced corrupt politicians. SIDDHARTH VARADARAJAN should do some research before writing any type of this article.
I agree; I am too perplexed. The amount of attention and credence given by the government to this half baked Baba makes me wonder of an ulterior, twisted motive. The government found their idiot and they will use him to have their way.
Not going into intellectual discussions, I would have seen government agreeing to only two points 1) promulgated ordinance, declaring all black money as national money; set time frame say within one year, to setup mechanism to bring black money to India. 2) Yes, severe capital punishment for corrupt people who proved guilty in fast track courts; again setting up mechanisms within one year. Should have increased governments credibility, may be government has no will...
Siddharth\The Hindu, Marvelous piece Siddhath has written. Everybody in India, wheather politicians, teachers, babas, gurus, intellectuals etc are drifting towards their assigned role! The union government led by Manmohan Singh is more interested in politicking than giving the people a corruption-freeand development oriented good governance. Likewise Babas or Sadhus like Ramdev , instead of moral preachings and giving yoga training, have started poking nose in politicising and also preparing grounds for entry politics and so and so are the roles of other groups of people! Baba Ramdev , once considered and will always be considred, a good yoga teacher, who is reviving the culture of Yoga of Patanjali old tradition and Ayurvedic treatment and methods, has of late started creating controversy in the name of black-money with the help of Hindu outfits like BJP, RSS etc. Baba Ramdev, no doubt from initial time , had greed of earning more and more money and in this adventure he has succeeded and has acquired huge assets right from Haridwar to Island in foreign country! He used to charge exorbitant high charges for attending yoga camps and also selling medicines and providing treatment to ailing mass His recent drama in Delhi's Ramlila ground has been talking topics and also his action in escaping police dragnet by wearing woman's dress has made him laughing stock! No doubt the union government has also exceeded its limit to teach Baba a lesson .Night swoop by delhi police must be condemened but at the same time the drama of Baba also must be criticised.Siddharth has rightly informed in the article that corruption and black money are big tragedy in India but it must be tackled in accordance with law and specially without knowing where is black money and whom have diverted in foreign countries or banks- how a law to bring black money could be enacted-this is a million dollar question! Sadly present union government is entangled neck-deep in corruption and Manmohan Singh and the Congress party are proving ineffective government- also enganging the government with corporates, multinationals and also with imperialist America is breaking the backbone of democratic fabrics in the country and poor people of the country- now only the media can play important role to bail out the country from mess. K K Singh, Patna, Bihar, India.
well said.. excellent read!
I do not understand the doggedness of intellectual editors spewing venom against BJP and RSS for everything. That is fashionable and the pre-requitite to show that you are intellectual-- an environment built from the Nehruvian era. Being a journalist, does he not know that when, how and why and under what circumstances the issue came under public domain after the end of the NDA and when the foreign countries started efforts for getting the money back? If he does not know, he does not deserve to be a journalist. If he knows and still writes what he has written than there is some selfish interest behind that. Pl. do not spread falsehoods like this. Time is not far off when people will be able to see through the perception-building games these so-called intellectuals and journalists play.
i don't understand how can we say that we have necessary laws to tackle corruption ?. you cannot proceed against a corrupt senior official without the sanction of the government , who itself is corrupt! (the most recent case being that of CVC PJ Thomas). in fact the basic cause of corruption at the higher echelons of the government is the protection given by the governments to the corrupt officials and politicians. as far as the topic of the ownership of black money is concerned, it not that difficult. Any amount of money, which is disproportionate in nature and is unaccountable is obviously the black money and must be declared a national asset, irrespective of the its location,(obviously its should be linked to an indian citizen). for this government should adopt an aggressive foreign policy and pressurize those countries which are tax heavens to disclose the required data.
Emotions play a pivotal role while protesting against the burning issues than the facts. We knew corruption is omnipresent, it is a serious concern which must be eradicated. But the route map which has to be devised to curb this gigantic social evil is still at elementary level. "Blackmoney" which has become the buzz word in recent days has a typical behavior. It is not a hard and fast rule that the ultimate destination to the blackmoney is Swissbank and why would the mastermind who was involved in fudging or diverting public funds would stack them in the destination the world is aware of. The money laundering has lot many incarnations . It could have diverted in many forms entered into many phases in the same system. It could have also been away from the legal frame work. The very idea in getting back the so called blackmoney and in the form of money with a complex judiciary system is not feasible in the country like us. I infact regret to make the afore mentioned statement. I am not finding fault of the attempt or the efforts taken by the activists or the govt to get back the money instead devising the rigid and rigorous law and IMPLEMENTING with same spree will yeild the best possible results paving the way to become economic superpower.
Here govt has not been able to provide basic education to its people what do u expext from such people. it is the responsibility of educated and people involed in pilotics to stay away from corruption.But it it true? No in fact Educated Beurocrats and Politicians are most corrupt in this country.Let me share u one incident that will take place in one of indian state,this state is about to give computers to its schools.Now who all are dealers, a goon is mediating between a minister and a company which will supply the computers.Now goon will get 2%, minister will get as much as he want, company will make handsome profit and students will very loe quality computers.In such cases contracts goes beyond 1000 crores, and schools will computers worth only 200-300 crores(depends on the consciuous of the minister). All the rest money will be collected in 1000 rs denomination and will kept below bed to hide it.Now what do u expect from aam admai? If he will raise his voice most likely he will get killed.Just imagine how much money is lying all over in INDIA as balck money.i disagree with you that corruption will reduce just by educating indian People.CORRUPTION can end only when corrupt people will get harsh punishment in no time.
Did you stand-up other than writing a postmortem article, I am sure you are also educated?! Frankly, our media is like the doctor in mortuary conducting post mortem..what is the use when the system is dead. Some one has to act, take courage, gather the masses and show the angst of the public. I think Baba Ramdev just did that, may be he had the backing, but he has added fuel to the fire that was quitely being put down by the government, by disagreeing on tha Lokpal agenda which Anna Hazare and the Civil Society has been briefing the media last week. Out of the 10 agenda's with Baba Ramdev the most important and the one which the government must act is to find out the quantum of black money abroad. It is obvious and simple 'If there is a WILL there is a WAY" but the government has no WILL as most of the subject black money may be belonging to those in power now.
Though its an exceelent article but aspect of Baba Ramdev's sincerity and his concern for black money, corruption issue and his popularity among general masses is not explored. Why is he so popular and his contribution to the indian society needs to be told and understood. Govt. is not serious about tackling the corruption matter and no other political party is interested on these issue other than capturing the power at centre or states. The non-support to Baba Ramdev by Mr Lalu prasad is an appropriate example to it.
How about highlighting that we Indians LOVE corruption? This is not some disease that has suddenly spread amongst us due to some foreign infection. We LOVE to usurp fair competition through the unfair means of corruption. We LOVE to bow to authority even when we are legally in the clear. That is why we pay bribes even to get things we are entitled to, because we do not want to risk confrontation with those who blackmail us to pay bribe. This is not some revolutionary statement here - in fact, it is quite a popular one doing the rounds - the day is not far off when someone is going to decide enough is enough, and start killing some corrupt people. I'd call that person a true patriot, because s/he would be upholding the Constitution more than all our elected representatives have done so far.
This is why I prefer going through Siddharth's in The Hindu ... A must read for all innocents who are doing their bit to lap Ramdev ...
Mr. Varadarajan has not only sifted through the various ambiguities surrounding this issue, but also expounded upon the crux of the matter.The most disturbing part of this fiasco is a relic called Advani using this incident to excavate himself out of the rubble that he's buried under, and daring to go to the extent of drawing parallels with the Jallainwalabagh massacre to do that, in the process, belittling the tragic event.
Every government has been remained in issue at every time.This time the issue of development of country, poor people etc. is not taken to point government because in last 7-8 years government have done serious job.But the balck money which is accumulated even before the UPA governmnet came is new to target the government.And this BABA wants to come in politics so using all technique. why baba wants to come in politics? If we think positively,to serve nation or to serve people. Than he can serve without coming in politics even. As he has big follower group. If we think nagatively,to get corrupted. Than why he is fighting against it.But no, he wants both, he wants to gather money by serving people that he cant do without coming in politics.
And if u are really wants to fight agains corruption,then pay 100% tax,follow every rules of trafic so u not have to give bribe to local trafic police,dont give bribe to get telephone connection fast,dont give bribe to get addmission in DPS,dont teach your chindren that you have to become IAS officer as u will get lot of black money and power,dont give bribe to doctor to do premeternity test,dont give issue false BPL card if your r not really below poverty line,dont make the low amount document of your house for not having pay more stamp duty etc. What happen u tired of reading these much bribe that we are giving and generating those black money of big politician having now. And than we ask them to show these black money. So our problem are not politician,our problem are we overselves. what can do politician if 99.99% people are corrupted.And if u really against corruption than pls dont do any thing that is involved in corruption.
@ Dr.Dharmendra Gupta "This is a very well written article.I wish I had the power to oust these traitor politicians from power and make our country truely great."
In democracy we (people) have the power, but we are not using it.
Excellent Article ! it pin points the situation as is and helps a reader who is being dragged away by the irresponsible electronic media , with various perceptions of the same picture.
It's the vacuum (it's used by civil society members who are not willing to contest elections to question our elected representatives) not only created by ruling parties but also by the opposition parties which are not much good to question the ruling party.
Nice article. But why are we telling this "naive and somewhat bizarre demands of Baba Ramdev"? I find all his demands - in as much I have read in the print and the electronic media - to be just and accurate. (1) Death sentence for the corrupt: Corrupt practitioners in any form needs serious laws like "Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act" or the "TADA". And practitioners who has taken away life and livelyhood of many - in the form of bribes etc - deserve capital punishment. 2) Why do you need INR 500 and INR 1000 currency denominations in India. That is where the corruption stems from. We are a very very poor nation and with high rate of illiteracy. Countless Indians have ever taken good square meal, and millions more have never taken a meal at all. Millions others simply brave the seasons and live without a roof. In such an utter poverty why do you need INR 500 and INR 1000 currency denominations ? 3) The money stashed away in the foreign banks are indeed national assets. Countless Indians have been robbed of that money and now one cannot identify the sufferer and return it back. So it would be just to make them national assets.
The whole issue is not about Baba Ramdev, but sadly the Government has chosen to divert this as a law and order problem. . Without pointing fingers, we can safely say that the current situation - be it the runaway inflation, the rise in real estate prices and economic crimes, they all stem from the black money stashed abroad. I hear that one of the cabinet ministers remarked that "black money was driving the economy". If this is true, it is a sad commentary on the state of affairs. That corruption has become so rampant, and that it touches each aspect of our life is not something we have to live with. On the other hand, the government must show some real courage and leadership in the matter. Let us face it : Rome was not built in a day. In the same vein, no one expects corruption to disappear overnight. That being said, does the UPA government have the courage to draft legislation that will make the corrupt think twice? Only time will tell.
I think that the author is not fully aware of the background of the situation.German banks have already provided the info on how much of Indian money is in their bank and to figure it out which is black and which is white is not a big deal, provided one has the resources that a Nations Government possesses, Only the will to do the right Thing is required. Secondly, the author seems to have very little info on Banking etiquette and norms, every international transaction is the routed in the swift/equivalent networks , that's How AML prevention woks,From this perspective Ramedev is more educated than the Author of this Article, none of the demands that he made are absurd or irrational
Nice Article- Your paper 06.06.2011 has clearly told " Baba Ram Dev has finally won". Your publishing this article is improper. Whatever his (Baba Ram Dev) credentials he has organised a huge crowd and made the issue of corruption an impact in the whole of nation. We were only watching the same in film wherein the heroes will make efforts to bring back the black money. Common Man are waiting to support the person " who will bell the cat". UPA I and UPA II is the most corrupt government. All our central Ministers are directly doing business. It is not far that this government will be thrown out and a clean party (BJP need not dream that people will vote because their ranks and file are also euqally corrupt) eg: Ms.Sushma Swaraj with an able head will leed the country. India is a country practising Sanathana Dharma. Dharma can never be defeated, eg: latest Tamilnadu election.
we should not blame our education which does not teach bribeing.It is the post educational system teaching such things. And strong workable LOKPAL will definetly help to check these things from political,corparate,administrative systems. None of the gov. heartly wishing to create such system which will have power to put themselve behind bar.if they dont have will then we have to force them to bring such law thats what happening. .we should support this movement generated after after long time .
I don't agree with the author on black money. He mentioned "when we do not know where this money is, how much it consists of and who it belongs to. If the authorities had this information, they would be legally empowered to seize the funds and place their owners behind bars."
For your information yes we do know who have a/c in which swiss banks & there is a list of 1500 a/c holders of all over the world including India also.
In early 2008, Germany’s Intelligence bribed — bribed? Yes — an informant in LGT Bank in Liechtenstein and got a CD containing the names of some 1,500 tax dodgers, and raided half of them, who were its citizens. It also offered, free of cost, the names of citizens of other countries. But seems like Indian politicians refused to accept something which was so valuable and free of cost. Govt also have a list of 17 a/c holders. But what happened? They didn't reveal even the names of them and they are making some nonsense excuse of some stupid treaty according to which information can be made only for taxation propose. You should also know that this treaty was a plan of pranab mukharji. When he got intention of getting screwed so he went to Switzerland and signed a treaty which say that previous a/c details can be used only for taxation porpose and can't be revealed to public. Supreme court also send so many notices to govt for list of 17 which they have but govt diverted whole issue on just one Indian muslim hasan ali khan whose name is also in the list. But here come the serious question how come hasan ali khan's name has been circulated and not others? Do you have any answer for this?
This is a fine article. Like, really nice. Gives a good account of the entire Baba Ramdev episode and the real fuss surrounding it. I, being a citizen of this country, feel totally disillusioned now. The UPA seems too soft on the issue of 'Corruption', the BJP seems too hard on 'Religious Fundamentalism', the Communists (Oh! Just ignore them for they (most of Indian communists I read about or know of) relate Communism to Anti-Development, Anti-Liberalization, Anti-Openness. Whom to vote to power in the next general elections? The pity is NO ONE is, of course, never an option! I think I should pen a nice informed piece on that. Will have to think and come up with ideas beyond ordinary. Thank you so much for the inspiration.
If the UPA doesnt resolve the issue of corruption, and remove the Corrupt from its government then its going to be a UPA suicide. And the rise of the BJP clinging to this isuue. Obviously we cant afford a communal government at this juncture so UPA save yourself and save the country. Defeat the compulsions of coalition politics. Be brave and govern brave.
Most of those who speak for new laws have no sufficient knowledge of the checks & balances already in place and how the power balances between various institutions evolved.In a democracy the executive is accountable to people through the parliament. The president of the country who occupies a constitutionally most important position once planned to oust Rajiv Gandhi when the Bofors scandal surfaced. The aftermath of such actions against a democratically elected govt is anybody's guess. How will it be different if a super judge gets the power to do so. Even the group which leads this agitation are accused of siding with particular political interests.So how can one be sure that this super judges who are supposed to have a so called clean record dont have their own particular political agendas and inclinations to take arbitrary actions at crunch hours based on a middle class media propaganda.
While I completely endorse the prescription suggested by the author to fight against corruption, I beg to differ when he says that we don't know where the black-money is, how much it consists of and who it belongs to. According to former IMF economist Mr. Dev Kar, the amount of money India lost in 'illegal capital' flows, which is essentially the flow of black-money, between 1948 to 2008 stands at a whooping $462 billion. The veracity of this assessment can be challenged but the actual amount will probably hover around this figure. As far as finding out where this money has been stashed away and who it belong to is concerned, I don't think the job is a very difficult one. India can always follow the example of the countries like the USA or Germany which have had some success in tracing the destination of their lost assets.
Yes, What Mr sanjay singh has told was right, you can't arm twist a govt. What MMS govt done was right , any Govt would have done this. See that the India does not become a Pakistan -II, There Mullahs and here Sadhus.
Rather than trying to take political advantage of the situation by jumping into the fire, let BJP prove their intentions clear by appointing LOK AYUKTA against Karnataka Ministers. Really shocked that the National TV Channels try to divert all faults on Congress by trying to give more importance to BJP. Corruption does not have colour, Black Money does not have religion. If you really dig into it and come out with the facts, many of the people crying hoarse on our TV networks will disappear overnight. Respected people like Shri Anna Hazareji should not fall prey to the evil intentions and designs of our politicians. What did BJP do to root away corruption and bring back black money when they ruled our country. Many of the BJP voices speak as if corruption and black money started only in 2009 and shamelessly, the TV channels are burning midnight oii to glorify their speaches instead of putting blunt questions to them.
Any voice when raised against any wrong doing is most welcome. It is because mostly one or two has the guts to raise voice and many gets motivated to raise voice and lend support by seeing them. Hence to wish away any effort against wrong doing stating the authority in power should do it only shows smacking the protest voice. Drops make an ocean and the so called govt will only wake up to bring in legislation or to plug the loopholes in the existing system unless it sees a mass movement. This is universal and India is exemption. There should be apreciation even if one individual stands against any wrongdoing, but the author seems to pick up flaws.
Had Baba Ramdev started a protest asking for removal of the Delhi Minister, or Vilas Rao Deshmukh, then he would have been dubbed anti-Congress, and forget Congress, even the media would have brushed him aside. The issue here is more serious. It is not about Congress, it is not about BJP. The issue is that of creating Lok Pal, and giving it TEETH. And those 'teeth' are the new laws. We can debate till end of time whether a capital punishment is needed, but we all can surely agree that a life imprisonment can be given for a certain degree (and above) of corruption and national plunder?! Unfortunately, this article, wittingly or unwittingly, diverts us from the main issue at stake, and brings us one full circle back to place us at the mercy of the very institution (Politics and Bureocracy) whose vulnerabilities we intend to fix with another (Lok Pal and strong laws).
The common man has become desperate on the continuing tamasha of naked corruption firmly entrenched all around him. He has seen the hollowness of the political voices on containing the malaise. His faith in the effectiveness of the current system in purging its machinery of the scourge has all but shaken.Baba Ramdev has tried to awaken the masses to the urgency of taking the issue headlong.His efforts need salutations. Calling him a thug only shows how deeply shaken are the culprits.Birds of a feather flock together. A thug would hardly be expected to expose another thug. On the contrary he would join the bandwagon of thugs.Let the country awake to this.
Recalling 1000 rupee notes is a sure shot way of eliminating corruption. This recommendation has been given by top economic doyens in this country. I don't understand why the author labels it as shadow boxing. The author would do well to study the history of the agitation spearheaded by Baba Ramdev. Each and every demand of his is genuine and there is nothing bizarre, nor nonsensical in demanding a law to repatriate black money. USA has done it so why can't India do the same.
The writer has contradicted himself several times in this article. First he says: it is meaningless and even nonsensical to demand the framing of a new law to confiscate black money when we do not know where this money is, how much it consists of and who it belongs to. And then referring to a front-page article published in this newspaper only two days ago says: let us ask the government why it has not signed an agreement with Switzerland of the kind the European Union has for the repatriation of taxes that the Swiss levy on interest earned by foreign account holders. It appears that Vardajan has forgotten that the same article explained how it was possible to do some back calculations and arrive at some credible figures of the kind of money stashed away in Swiss banks. He also appears to have forgotten that his newspaper reported some time ago that the German government has shared the list of black money account holders with the Indian government already. And by Pranab Mukherjee's own admission, the government already has several such lists from different countries. Which means that there is no lack of information in this regard. The only thing lacking is the will. And this is understandable? How can a government full of rogue ministers be expected to come out clean on this matter? It will shoot itself in the foot if it does so. So, what it does is intimidate anybody who dares ask questions. Even if it means breaking all norms of democratic propriety. Anyway, it is not so much that the govt's action that has hurt thousands like me hurt. It is pieces of writing such as this one by Siddharth Varadrajan that accuse honest, right-thinking people such as Baba Ramdev, who are taking great pains to make the govt accountable, of not being serious that hurt. This article once again exposes the bias of The Hindu against anyone who dons saffron, because of its old habit of equalling saffron with communal. Very sad, indeed.
I dont agree with you that govt has no knowledge about where the black money is, to whom it belongs to, and how much it is in amount. if u ask any one he wil atleast tell you few names. UPA govt lacks both will and strength to bring back the black money. if it is not so then why Prtanab Mukherjee is afraid of making names of those account holders public even after getting a direction from supreme court.
Whatever one might think of Baba Ramdev's demands, the spirit of his movement is appreciable. Some are taking the occasion to put focus on what they see as his 'Don-Quixotic' demands. They are cashing on this occasion(as usual) to express their 'rationalistic' views, whereas by themselves they haven't being able to do anything against corruption in India. Either support someone who is doing his best to fight against corruption, or stop stupid commentary. It has become a fad these days to stall someone doing good work,under some or the other pretext. Even these so-called self proclaimed 'stars' of Bollywood, and the media houses - although unable to personally do anything - are offering their live commentary, expert opinion and advice - without any iota of support of the movement. Opinions/advises do not help. We need the support of people to push the movement to its logical end.
If the Govt is serious on tackling any issues pertaining to corruption , let it show by action , not just words alone. Why cant Govt atleast make the CBI an independent body immediately when so much has been written and spoken about same in the media . This decision can be taken quickly by the Govt ; it does not involve any external agencies and the Govt will be enacting the will of the people. This decision alone can be a true test for the UPA-2 Govt , whether it is serious in fighting corruption or not. Then let the people of India decide .
Nice article, but I don't understand why The Hindu and other Media is not trying to pressurise Govt. to get rid of corruption. Some infrequent articles would not do the job. You have to run a series asking the govt and if necessary the President herself, that why did they acquit its corrupt ministers. As stated by 'The Hindu's another article "Where is BJP?"? opposition in Parliament is also not doing anything to pressurise the Govt. to do the right job. I am afraid that even though Baba is delirious about some things ( like govt tried to kill him ), he is doing your and oppsitions job to pressurise the govt.
Well written article which has not taken sides of any party. i have not seen a non biased article from hindu for so long. Let us all join together to weed out corruption, without having unsustainable ambitions. The most important thing is that we should not let Baba ramdev hijack the genuine movement of anna hazzare
Everyone recognises that the political class is corrupt (not all but a significant majority). How then does one enact legislations to bring the corrupt (in this case the political class) to account. It is akin to asking a thief to legislate his own trial and arrest. And since corruption has crossed all limits of tolerance where the poor are consistently being left out of the development agenda, there is a significant political void that was waiting to be filled. Any shrewd political leader would have grabbed at this opportunity. Baba Ramdev has done just that. Instead of questioning his intentions, the UPA and the political class needs to acknowledge that they have brought this upon themselves through unbridled hubris and venality.
A very nice article in principle. The fact that there is leadership vacuum can not be discarded at all. The leadership vacuum also means we do not have courageous leaders who want to go out of the way to achieve what people need. As much as it is agreed that there are channels to fight against corruption, it's also true that these channels have failed to deliver. And new India is expecting everyone to be accountable. As much as its true that things take time, people need visible steps (not annoucements) to show things are happening. If government show they are doing something; and not just allowing courts, media and civic society to do something, there would be more of these things.
Let me clarify one thing here. The government knows the account holder in Swiss Bank and, yes, this is confirmed by the mid-night action. Baba Ramdev misunderstood the support from other political parties. Why would a political party support Baba when its own member are corrupt and hold the account. And this is the reason that Baba can not launch Satyagrah anywhere except his ashram. Ramdev demand was not unreal but our morals have become so down that it seems to be unreal. India, a country ranked 126th in Hman development Index; a country ranked first in stillbirth and a country of poor and hungry person; if demands its black money then what is wrong? The days are not far way when India may face a political revolution like in African country.
SV raises a number of valid points like the corrupt UPA/ Congress giving absolute protection to the proven corrupt like Vilasrao Deshmukh and Raj Kumar Chauhan. However towards the end of the article, he some how behaves as if he has been living on moon without any contact with the earth for last few months. The questions he wants us / Baba Ramdev to ask Dr Clean and others are already being asked multiple time. But Dr Maunibaba refuses to answer them ! The Congress is happy to dare anyone and everyone because they know that they have the numbers at the center, and will always be backed by the communal parties like the Communists, Samajwadi Party and BSP, against the secular BJP.
I totally disagree with the author, on his thought that that we don't know to whom the money belongs or where does it lie. If we don't know then we ought to find out. The center should bring back large amount of black money, it has stashed abroad.
Nice article! Corruption stems from greed-ambitiousness when it has a weapon of 'power'. As 'greed' and 'power' cant be removed from society and human nature so is corruption. But the extent can be certainly lowered and corruption can be marginalized to upper echelons of power. 'Power' will certainly find a way to go around Lokpal bill and have its way. Opposition is not in power so they want that from govt. Ultimate aim to anybody in power is to fulfill greed and ambitions by corruption. Who can guarantee that lokpal's office will be devoid of ambitions and greed when it will share the power now concentrated in the hands of Govt?
Power currupts its beholder. Autocrats, monarchs had always been corrupt when they had absolute power unlike five year term of power in Democracy. Then how could we expect people to be honest in democracy. Permanent Solution is not lokpal but a morally and intellectually sound society that can produce and elect people with character strong enough to protect from corrosion of 'power'. There is no short term solution to the problem of corruption as we are seeking. We need reformers in social-moral values, sound upbringing of next generations(health, education, moral-edu), good teachers. Steps in that directions are slow and unpopular so is decline of corruption.
A very apt article on Ramdev and his intentions. He behaved like a clown and was handled as such. As highlighted in the article, the issue of addressing the corrupt enterprise requires one to overhaul the existing systems and will to act against offenders. It is not about raking up emotions of the public of this country, it is not akin to an independent struggle as many would try to portray for their selfish goals. In my view, it is about developing a culture at ALL levels that corruption as a culture to be routed out.
An extremely well written piece!Corruption in our society is rampant mainly in govt and public organisations: the RTO office, police stations,factory inspectors,income tax offices, the courts, the central and state govt ministries etc. A common factor is that discretionary power is centralised in these places.Corruption can be eliminated only when the OPPORTUNITIES FOR CORRUPTION are reduced.Abolition of unnecessary offices, permits, approvals, rules and procedures and decentralisation of the powers will go a long way in reducing corruption. An example: Abolition of the old DGTD and its approval powers in the 1990s reduced the corruption encountered by industry significantly. Empowering ALL police stations, banks and post offices to renew driving licenses will reduce corruption in the RTOs. Similiarly abolition of the personal income tax for individuals(it contributes less than 5% of the total tax collected)will reduce corruption in the ITOs and save the money spent in collecting it( the latter is more than the former!!). There are many such specific reforms which, if implemented, will reduce the OPPORTUNITIES for govt personnel to be corrupt. The Anna Hazares and Baba Ramdevs should agitate for such useful specific reforms instead of indlulging in theatrical tamashas which only makes our country a laughing stock for foreigners.
Govt is right in reining in the Ramdev's drama, the timing of police action can be debated though. The stories of police brutality and firing are just over-blown and meant to embarass the govt. Moreover, if it was really a non-political movement, govt would have no guts to indulge in such acts. But fact of the matter is, it was a drama managed by RSS-VHP-BJP right from the start and they were in open support (Ritamabhara's presence on stage) and most of the public at Ramleela ground was from their cadres. If the movement had been apolitical like Anna Hazare’s movement, there would have been improptu public as well as media support which was clearly lacking in this case. RSS and BJP were (and are) using Ramdev as a means to fulfill their own political agendas and is being done keeping in view the hindi-heartland which is slated for polls next year (UP, MP, Gujrat etc). The record of the UPA in handling corruption is much better and that's why cabinet ministers are in jail and action has been taken against all of the accused while BJP has not mustered courage to remove Yeddyurappa. The double standards of BJP and its moral-bankruptcy has proved its hypocrisy once again. Secondly, many of the demands from Ramdev were just bizzare and there is no reason that govt should have even given it a thought. Sending likes of Pranab Mukherjee along with three other ministers itself was the wrong step. Death penalty for corrupt (it has been proved that death penalty is not a deterrent), promotion of regional languages and undermining english (are we trying to go back in time?) and to do away with 500 and 1000 currency (should we carry 5-paisa coins then?) are some of the unthinkable demands which no-govt would have agreed to. Add to this, the figure propagated as black money; when the gdp of India is 78-lac-crore (as per 2011-12 budget), the 400-lac-crore black money figure is outrageously overblown out of proportion and is merely a figment of imagination by Ramdev. Ramdev should have been more reasonable in his approach and stuck to the core-issue of black money with reasonable suggestions. Ultimately its the govt which is supposed to legislate. Apart from this, the tendency to amass crowds and dictate terms to the govt should be discouraged at all costs otherwise who will listen to the voiceless of this country? What about the minorities who may not be able to amass such numbers? Be it a 5-member lokpal panel or a Ramdev, none of them should be allowed to dictate to a democratically elected govt. Are th 5-lokpal members the sole-voice of civil society in this country? We must remember that the constitution only gives people the right to peacefully demonstrate and raise their demands; it should not be confused with the right to use 'crowds' to lobby for their demands even if it is for so-called public interest. If such tendencies are not nipped in bud, we might see Khaps staging a dharna with 5-10 lac crowd and demanding legalization of honor killings; we can have jats-gurjars (or others) with lacs of people asking for reservation; we may have such protests taking place in each and every nook corner of the country and forcing govts to accept their demands. We should be happy that Indian Democracy allows such vents of public anger. We must be aware of situation in countries like China where any such voice is crushed violently. Our forefathers hav made huge sacrifices for this democracy. It should not be subversed at any cost and the supremacy of parliament must be respected.
The ending of a high proflie drama at ramlila ground is a similar to the one which had happen in 13th april in 1913 at Jalianwala bagh, where some peace loving people hae gathered for protection and who where killed unnecessary. After that the Indian constitution have himself provided the right together at any place peacefully.so is constitution can be moulded with the wishes of ministers or there will be punishment for violaters.is it wrong to ask to get back the black money from foreign accounts? Like Baba Ramdev any comman people can ask for it and there is no harm if 60% of the population is supporting it.
This is a very well written article.I wish I had the power to oust these traitor politicians from power and make our country truely great.
I really appreciate your critical analysis and deep concern regarding whole episode. First off all I do smell a kind of pre-planned backing by BJP and RSS for this cause as they became restless by seeing that a critical vote fetching issue was going out of their hands. What happened in JAN LOKPAL MUHIM by Anna hazare when RSS, BJP and other oppurtunitist were prohibited to deliver their speeches from dias of jantar mantar. so we can say that these communal forces tried to hijack the stage and issue from Swami Ramdev but i don`t see that yoga guru invited them or sought their support. I agree that he welcomed the support of opportunist forces and it was his great mistake. Scond thing, you said that demands were NAIVE and somewhat BIZZARE in nature but in later para you also suggested a way for govt. of india for repatrition. i think both the demands are interconnected and pass through passage of parliament where a law must be passed for repatrition that will empower us to check accounts of indians in swiss bank then to investigate legitimacy of money. When it will be found that it is out of income then govt. of india will be fully authorised to capture it and make national asset.
The political and corporate tie up for looting the country seems to be the abstract picture that media has been projecting, on the basis of few known Indian industrialists playing along with political parties in the past.But that strata is only a small fraction of the corporate world, what about the millions who honestly pay their taxes. Mr. Varadarajan should look back for such stands before making an argument that Ramdev's demand for bringing back the black money stashed away in tax havens was a waste or misdirected. How many people ,from this country of more than a billion, raised their voices against corruption rather than being mute audiences to loot riot's of Lalu's, Kalmadi's and the list goes on. At least there was someone to raise his voice as well as inspire others to make a difference. Mr. Varadaranjan be an optimist and broadcast it because this country needs inspiration and light of honesty not the darkness of mistakes,and a person in your position can do it.
There is no way but to act decisively against corruption for the UPA government to regain its credibility. That would be the only defense for the UPA to deter the BJP and its communal Talibans from taking India backward.
You said it ! this is exactly the way I feel. I don't think that India is corrupt because of lack of loss. It's corrupt because of our inertia to act against it.
A Prime Minister can of course act against ministers who abuse their authority. But who will act against a Prime Minister enjoying a majority in parliament if he or she abuses authority. The Congress is totally against making the Prime Minister subject to investigations by the Lokpal when appointed. Siddharth Varadarajan has ignored this vital issue.
After a long time, I have seen a sensible article in Indian Media. Kudos to you, the editorial team of Hindu, for such a detailed and impartial opinion on this topic. I hadn't seen an impartial view on this topic till reading this editorial. Nice to see journalism of courage and honsety still happening in India. India needs more of your kind. I recollect printed media sowed the seeds of Indian freedom struggle before the mass movements gathered wind. I hope this is a precursor for Indian freedom struggle version 2.0(freedom from Nehruvian/Gandhian(Indira/Rajiv) corruption).I wish you start taking classes/tutions for your electronic media colleagues on journalism ,honesty and integrity to their profession. They need it badly. 2. I hope you dont budge/get initmidated by political armtwisting, for not publishing the swiss bank details when Wikileaks publishes the Swiss bank details of Indian citizens
Excellent Article. Articulates my thought on this issue. Cleansing corruption needs political will. It doesn't require the Baba to go to Delhi to express his movement against corruption. And I also believe this is in a way trying to shadow the efforts Mr. Anna Hazare had put in to bring the Government to knees on the Lokpal bill. I only wish to see a non-corrupt India during my lifetime. If that happens, it will be a miracle.
Kudos to The Hindu and Siddharth Varadarajan. A timely and powerful writeup. Every citizen of India should understand the sorry state of Indian Political parties and their dirty politics. None of our so called leaders are serious to end the corruption and they are all fooling the general public.Wake up time for all people and do not be carried away of the false assurances.Be United.
It tells a lot about the President of India when she protects corrupt politicians. Our system is a farce and our politicians are crooks. When are we, the educated Indians who inspire to lead the world, going to get rid of these corrupt politicians. Is'nt it time to start a revolution?
Great article by Siddarth, as always. One thing- corruption has fallen in many years today as compared the pre-liberalization period. Now you don't have to pay a bribe to get a telephone connection and you don't have to bribe as many officials as before to start a business. The three areas which are maximally corrupt are real estate, mining and commodities and telecommunication- industries in which the government is heavily involved and there is lot of unproductive regulation. India's corruption ranking has improved gradually in the Transparency International corruption perception rankings, but the improvement has stalled since last year.
It's depressing to see that the message of the likes of Anna Hazare is not really understood by our media intellectuals. For evidence, one needs to look no further than this article which grandstands thus: "The problem of corruption is not simply one of law but of will." We certainly have laws that state that it's a crime to take a bribe; we also have laws that prescribe the quantum of punishment for such a crime. Such laws are obviously NECESSARY for fighting corruption. But, they are not SUFFICIENT. If the person in charge of enforcing these anti-corruption laws and the person engaging in corruption are one and the same, no amount of 'will' will make the corrupt punish themselves! And, what Anna Hazare's team is fighting for is to put the power of punishing the corruption in the hands of an independent institution. That's the whole logic of checks and balances. Now, to create such an institution and to grant it sufficient powers requires passing new legislation/laws. To say that no new laws but only political will is needed to stop corruption is to lack any understanding of human nature!
This article describes very aptly all the 'tamasha' that is taking place. The best way to tackle social ills of the society is 'educating' people systematically ; if the government of the day / political spectrum is not performing its duty to address the social ills, the civil society should exert necessary pressure ensuring there is no chaos but at the same time working with the political spectrum to address these. But currently its all tamasha - government of the day / political spectrum and the so called civil society 'leaders' making sure that their individual egos are played on a grander theatrical scale.
It really does not matter whether RAMDEV failed or his mothod was not right. To fix an age old problem for corruption in India, people have to be educated not to give bribe. To accept bribery - there need to be strict laws. This is a small problem in comparison with the money stashed away in other countries by the corrupt individuals - those need to be checked and RAMDEV did suggest, bring the money into INDIA and declare as INDIA ASSETS. The Government is not doing what they should be doing. Elected Governments are themselves corrupt and bringing a very bad name to INDIA from the World view point.
An excellent editorial unpacking the crux of the matter. Corruption is the biggest challenge to the future of India. At the moment the lok sabha and the legislative assemblies seem to be MAFIA gangs relentlessly pursuing their business of looting and murdering with ammunity from the law. Millions of people who are reeling in poverty owe their misery to these evil politicians.
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