Parliament's unanimous adoption of a resolution agreeing “in principle” with Team Anna's position on the three sticking points that prolonged the standoff on the Lokpal legislation is a triumph for the anti-corruption mood in the country — and for the Gandhian technique of non-violent mass agitation on issues of vital concern to the people. Anna Hazare and his team deserve full credit for recognising and riding this popular mood, which showed plenty of signs of becoming a wave; for giving concrete shape to the inchoate aspirations of the movement against corruption through the provisions of the Jan Lokpal Bill; and for working out a strategy and tactics that refused to compromise on the core issues but knew when to raise the stakes and when to settle. As for the political players, the major opposition parties did well to recognise the soundness of the core demands of Team Anna and keep up the pressure on the government. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the politically savvy elements in the United Progressive Alliance regime can also take some credit for the way they finally acted to resolve this crisis.
What is clear to everyone — except the unreconstructed elements within the political system who have long been opposed to a strong, independent, and effective statutory authority to go after corruption at all levels — is that the Lokpal Bill that was introduced in Parliament by the government and is now before a Standing Committee lies thoroughly discredited. The government must not be guided by those in its ranks who advocate some kind of rearguard action in committee or on the floor of the House to go back on commitments made. The fact is that in sum, that is, in the parliamentary resolution and during the preceding rounds of discussion with Team Anna, the government conceded the following key demands. In addition to Ministers, Members of Parliament (subject to Article 105 of the Constitution), and Group ‘A' officers, the Prime Minister at one end and the lower bureaucracy at the other will be brought under the jurisdiction of the Lokpal. Secondly, under the same statute, strong and effective Lokayuktas on the same model as the Lokpal will be established in all States. Team Anna contends that no constitutional problem is involved here since the Lokpal legislation deals with substantive and procedural criminal law, which is covered by Entries 1 and 2 of the Concurrent List in the Constitution. The bottom-line is that it makes no sense to have a strong and effective Lokpal to investigate and prosecute central public servants for corruption while having defunct or no Lokayuktas in States. Thirdly, the Lokpal legislation will provide for a grievance redressal system, requiring all public authorities to prepare a citizen's charter and make commitments to be met within a specified time frame. Constitutionally speaking, these arrangements are covered by Entry 8 of the Concurrent List dealing with actionable wrongs. Whether the Lokpal or another authority established under the same law will oversee this grievance redressal system remains an open question. For its part, Team Anna has agreed that judges need not come under the Lokpal provided a credible and independent Judicial Conduct Commission, free from conflict of interest and empowered to investigate and prosecute charges of corruption against judges, is established by law. Unfortunately, the contentious issue of a selection committee for the Lokpal could not be resolved. But considering that virtually everyone outside the UPA seems opposed to the official Lokpal Bill's provision that the government will nominate five of the nine members of the selection committee, this can probably be regarded as a dead letter.
There are some excellent provisions in the Jan Lokpal Bill that have gone mostly unnoticed. For instance, Section 6(o) provides that the Lokpal can recommend the cancellation or modification of a lease, licence, permission, contract or agreement obtained from a public authority by corrupt means; if the public authority rejects the recommendation, the Lokpal can “approach [the] appropriate High Court for seeking appropriate directions to be given to the public authority.” It can also press for the blacklisting of those involved in acts of corruption. Then there is Section 31(1), which stipulates that “no government official shall be eligible to take up jobs, assignments, consultancies, etc. with any person, company, or organisation that he had dealt with in his official capacity.” Section 31(2) provides that “all contracts, public-private partnerships, transfer by way of sale, lease, and any form of largesse by any public authority shall be done with complete transparency and by calling for public tender/auction/bids unless it is an emergency measure or where it is not possible to do so for reasons to be recorded in writing.” And Section 31(3) requires that “all contracts, agreements or MOUs known by any name related to transfer of natural resources, including land and mines to any private entity by any method like public-private partnerships, sale, lease or any form of largesse by any public authority shall be put on the website within a week of being signed.”
In appraising what has happened over the past fortnight, a red herring needs to be got out of the way — the idea of the ‘supremacy of Parliament' versus everyone who comes up against it. Parliamentarians who assert this need to learn their Constitution. In India, unlike Britain, Parliament is not supreme; the Constitution is. Nor is law-making “the sole prerogative” of Parliament. The significant victory of the anti-corruption campaigners gives political India a rare opportunity to translate fine anti-corruption sentiments into a potent law that can be a game-changer. The challenge before the people of India is to ensure, by keeping up the pressure, that in the tricky business of law making in committee and on the floor of the Houses of Parliament a potentially powerful instrument is not blunted.
Thanks for a brilliant article. I just had one doubt. "Section 31(1), which stipulates that “no government official shall be eligible to take up jobs, assignments, consultancies, etc. with any person, company, or organisation that he had dealt with in his official capacity.” Forgive me for my innocence, but isn't this section totally against the Right to Work?
An excellent and well balanced editorial piece once again reflecting the non partisan well intended comments on the leader page for which THe HINDU is known-for always. It is expected from the readers of this esteemed paper it would continue to shape the public opinion on all the vital issues confronting the nation and help it resolve in the larger interests of the public good and a democratic-civil society.The ANNA HAZARE movement may well serve the purpose of reawakening a nation and putting in a sense of responsibility and accountability on the part of its politicians-for which a responsible and mature press has to play a vital role. Thanks once again for the excellent editorial.
Thanks for the uplifting simplicity of your text. After reading it I would like our Parliament to accept the new found truth with humility. Be united and deal with the truth. For in humility is strength and the whole nation will be strengthened in its resolve against corruption.This is a wonderful time when we can start putting to practice our new found truths of honesty and non violence.
Why is that the editorial so very silent on issues of governance/tackling corruption related to corporate sector? Which is probably the single most important issue in this Anna Hazare episode,and so very effectively raised by Ms Arundhati Roy especially about the World Bank,Ford foundation, and their ilks!
thanks for this editorial
The compact literacy of the editorial has platitude; however in its aptitude of neutrality the editorial has proven to be a fence-sitter. There is no audacity to perservere the cause of parliamentary democracy which is a value and process: Anna Hazare is just a pressure group. It can influence the process but it cannot attempt to dictate its terms to the law-makers. India is still going to have the corrupt and criminal in its parliament and all of its legislatures albeit it is not going to affect the credibility of parliamentary democracy. The editorial has fallen short of questioning the influence of a pressure group on parliamentarians who want to hold on to this pressue group for their future support. What about not mentioning the bold step taken by P Chidambaran,Kabil Sibal,Ambika Soni and Sheila Dixit to contain Team Anna in the beginning by using the law as the order to get them out of Jai Prakash Park to preserve the process of parliamentary democracy?
In India, unlike Britain, Parliament is not supreme; the Constitution is. Thank you for clarifying correct legal position and it need to be conveyed to MPs and their puppets in Media.
At last people have given team anna the impetus and power to make parliament to agree on the lok pal bill. I wish I was in India participating with the supporters. As Anna has truly said we have changed the govt of the white babus to the brown babus who have unashamedly looted their own country. It would be like agitating for freedom from repression and corruption. Hope I will live to see the day where I can say I am a proud Indian where bribes are not accepted and not given which was one of the reasons I left India.
Thank you for a brilliant editorial, not seen in most of the Indian newspaper. You have done justice to Jan Lokpal Bill.
This is a great editorial from the greatest newspaper of the world.
A very well balanced editorial,especially enlightening about 'Parliament supremacy' v/s 'Constitutional supremacy',we need more articles like this to be fully aware of the pitfalls set by the statements of some ministers.Parliament resolution is significant start but we have to make sure this public awareness does not die with time as it happens more often than not in India and editorials like this are of great help to keep the public aware.
An admirably analysed, instructive editorial, written with a detached perspective in the best tradition of 'The Hindu'....The call, not to let the blinkers down,lest in the 'tricky' process of law-making, the instruument to combating corruption, gets blunted , keeps the spirit of the agitation alive..Pray, in this matter, 'The Hindu' editorials will continue to play a historic role...Thanks...
An excellent editorial that brings out the essence of the people's aspirations. What needs to be brought out more forcefully is that while it is okay to say that the Constitution is supreme, it is important that we understand the spirit of the Constitution that is more important than the written word. To overcome this issue is why we have amendments to the Constitution made. We must ensure that these amendments do not violate the spirit of the Constitution and are not framed to meet the interest or the convenience of vested interests. It is the task of the Fourth Estate to ensure that the spirit of the Constitution is never compromised.
Laws, changes to the Constitution etc. are at best enforced discipline. These are not going to change the situation in a long lasting way. Moral fibre of the country has to change. This can be achieved only by inculcating value systems. Right from now on, we should inculcate values in the youngest population of the country by modification of our educational system. This has to start from the primary schools.
An excellent editorial. But, as rightly pointed out by one of the readers equal reference should have been bestowed on the CAG of India but for whose relentless pursuit of the misdoings in various deals and never succumb to the veiled threat to his authority the volume of it would not have arisen public mood. Yes, it is his duty, still a reference would give a boost to men of his ike. No doubt the media played its significant role. The Hindu's contrbution is note-worthy.
The people of India won on the lokpal issue and the hazare team, the central govt under the leadership of the present prime minster, all the political parties I in the country and the vigilant fourth estate can take the credit for the final outcome. The final India gate gathering bears testimony to this reality. The nation has seen this as a win win exercise to purify the nation. The present attempt by some lawmakers to move privilege motion against upright activists like Kiran Bedi is certainly not in good taste and such actions will only be viewed as attempts to divide the hazare team. What is past is past. The entire attempt should focus on a strong enactment to help mother India.
Thank you so much for an excellent editorial that is informative and instructive. You have rightly called the red herring to diminish the Team Anna movement by a section of the intelligentsia. When our elected government is apathetic and indifferent to rampant corruption on its watch and civil society plea against it what recourse the people have other than to engage in non-violent protest and agitation to compel the politicians to recognize the menace of corruption and take steps to curb it. There is a reason no law got passed for last four decades, any Lokpal act may have an adverse impact on politician's corrupt ways even if it is no panacea against corruption, obviously the politicians would much rather ignore the problem in a self-serving manner.
I would take Anna Hazare's non-violent fasting based protest any day over Maoists cult of rampant murder and mayhem against innocent civilians.
Kudos to The Hindu for providing such a balanced editorial.
Thanks for the cogent editorial. The Hindu would do a great servic if it published another article that discusses the issue of "Supremacy of Parliament" vs. "Supremacy of Constitution" and "the prerogative of Parliament to make laws". I believe that this is extremely important knowledge that was missing in much of the debate.
Now there is a hope that India can surpass China by 2020 at the same time lifting more people out of poverty. Hope Anna Team keeps pressure on the government until effective Jan Lokpal bill becomes a law.
An excellent and unambiguous article at last from the Hindu. Those who made light of the movement , citing other equally valid agitations and fasts which could not occupy centre stage ,should carefully assess the conditions for a successful campaign. There are three things which are urgently needed to keep up the momentum ; take the awareness to smaller towns and then the villages , ensure that more people exercise their vote, and increase interaction with other civil society groups. Lastly it is time to look into the power of amendment , and define the direction they can take, to strengthen provisions or relax them .
And there it exemplifies the saying 'If you want a symbolic gesture, don't burn the flag, wash it'.
The much touted people's victory following the fast of the veteran Gandhian Anna Hazare can at best be called a pyrrhic one, far removed from the associated imaginative euphoria. The unanimous “Sense of the House” Resolution of the Parliament has only offered a timely face-saving opportunity to the Civil Society to call off the Fast. The entire political class was too clever to not to seize the moment, ignoring the groundswell of public opinion against them. Ironically, the Congress party too emerged with minimum injury from the Hazare episode which was feared to tear down UPA2. Much to their consternation, the BJP and the left too parties could not cash in on much. Though the Hazare effect caught the imagination of the entire republic, the lack of organisation prevented Anna Team from turning the screw on the government. Admittedly, the fast has indisputably created an unprecedented awareness among the common people, but this is no victory for the common man as the parliamentarians stated.
Thanks for a great editorial. It is good that you clarified the issue of supermacy of parliament. While it is true that the consitution is the supreme law of the land in India, it may be helpful to acknowledge that it drives its authority from the sovereignity of the people of India. The sovereign people of India can amend the constitution, if so necessary, as has been done many times.
Excellent & authetic way of writting. Maintain equal response is good.
If parliament, PM and the Government wanted to accede to the requests of the civil society why it took such a long time. I do fear that the government purposefully delayed the action with some other hidden agenda. This Government never wanted a strong lokpal bill in the first place and after considerable time wasting in drafting the same with Civil Society, they tabled a weak lokpal bill in parliament. Despite the call from the Civil Society and political parties, the Government was in no mood to concede the strong lokpal. Hence it is really baffling how they suddenly agreed. Probably only time will tell us what is in store for all the people who think that it is a victory for the people of India.
Thanks to the Hindu for again doing a good job in a well balanced way ,but at the same time touching all aspects with out hurt or praise. It will definitely compel the so called political pundits -cum-law stalwarts to have a re-look at our Constitution which opens as " We the people of India............." . We reasonably look forward to The Hindu to give and guide us in the future days to come to hold our heads high with out fear.
Congratulations. A balanced and cogently argued editorial. It neatly summarizes the events of the past fortnight, together with gains and warnings. Perhaps the distance from Delhi enables you to provide a dispassionate perspective.
Hearty thanks for well-balanced responsibility of Hindus Editorial page as usual; Annaji strongly submitted his view(s) and alerted the nation for new dawn.
I shall be much obliged and remarkably grateful for those who truly rendered their valuable support in this session and pray for New Generation India Soon
Excellent editorial from The Hindu as always. You nailed the parliament supremacy issue right on its head. Parliament and state asemblies serve the constitution and there by serve the people. The media has been playing a very positive role in anti-corruption movement and The Hindu has been in the forefront.
Right comment. The people are supreme and not parliament. The MPs are servants of the people as ANNA said. And also the govt employees are there to work for the common people and not vice-versa. The media like Hindu and others have played an equal part in the concluded act. The parliamentarians should sense the mood of the people and work to uplift the life of the poor.Thank ANNA and his vibrant team.
Hindu edit has failed to make the point clear! Are the Indian Constitution and its bodies are supreme? or the manner in which Anna &his Company Ltd, a self-styled representatives of civil society has been agitating for Jan Lok Pal bill and dictating term to Parliament is under the constitutional provisions? Freedom of expression guaranteed under Constitution,does not give guarantee to take the nation to ransom-this is what Anna&Co.Ltd is doing! Your edit must be more specific on the constitutional points about supremacy-as per an article published in your newspaper by veteran Parliamentarian Era. Of couse strong Lok Pal bill and Parliament resolution is victory for Anna&Co.Ltd, as referred to the select committee of the Parliament for suggesstion and recommendations.Your edit must give reasoned views on supremacy of Constitution or Anna&com Ltd of its pressure tactics!For enacting law,Parliament has to go many provisions not on term dictated by Anna!
Great Editorial. While all editors busy in either superficially opposing Team Anna or Governmnent actions, this article goes in depth discussing 'real' Lokpal and JanLokpal giving much needed clarity. Thanks and Keep it up!
Shri.Anna Hazare deserves full praise for echoing sentiments of middle class to those in power. While your well written editorial advocates action on promises already made, what I am concerned is some people in power scuttling any positive movement on the promises made to team Anna. Worse ,they may even try discrditing Anna through some action like they did with Baba Ramdev. But that would be at their peril.
It is a historic day, history was written in India again and Anna Hazare and his movement supported by people from all walks of life will be kept in mind of countless Indians and future generations will learn in school about this important phase of India´s democracy.
Legal, peaceful and non violent protests took place all over India.
Especially the last months have shown that India is a stable and efficiently working democracy.
The Statesman, published in Kolkata, reports today:
"Mr Hazare said the current campaign has given him such inspiration that he will not keep quiet till change is brought. He also said he will tour the country to campaign for bringing in “much required” changes.
Against the back of criticism from a section of Dalit leaders that his movement was anti-Constitution, Mr Hazare said the movement was inspired by the Constitution written by BR Ambedkar, whom Dalits consider as their icon. “Through this agitation we have also proved that people's parliament is supreme than the Parliament in Delhi. Ambedkar has inspired us. He enacted the constitution. We have to fight for them,” Mr Hazare said.
It was Indeed the will of Indians expressed by creative protests and the union government had to give in, frankly spoken in order to survive.
And it shows that Gandhi, the Father of the Nation is embedded in the hearts and minds of every Indian.
Anna reminded the nation of Gandhi.
It´s a wonderful day today.
The Hindu has a noble history in defending and promoting democracy in India and it continues to play this vital role. The nation is grateful to The Hindu. All supporters of the anti-corruption movement, not forgetting the hundreds of supporters on Satyagraha fast, and other responsible media, deserve praise. The Opposition and other parties also rose to the occasion. We should celebrate “the end of the beginning, but as the drafting process is about to start in earnest, we must remember that “ETERNAL VIGILANCE IS THE PRICE OF DEMOCRACY.”
Your editorial is a balanced view on Lokpal Bill and the anti corruption movement.
As reader of "The Hindu' for decades, I suggest the following to be carried out by you:
1. The team of Anna, have to state that they will not hold Lok Ayukta position any where in state/Center.
2.Bring to the knowledge of the readers, by publishing in your cover page, the citizen charters or failure to put up the citizen charter with time frame at least of all infrastructure/education/health and civil supplies and food department.
A built in mechanism introduced in the system to display how many requests are resolved within time frame and its % to the total request received will provide greater transparency.
3. Income & Assets statement of all ministers(& family members) when they first contested for election and respective Income & Assets statement now, showing the Income earned by business and nature of business.
In the second freedom struggle of the vast majority of Indians to free India from the grips of the rich and powerful, who subverted the democratic systems to plunder the nation and exploit the citizens on a daily basis for private gain, with the protection of the Constitution and national laws and institutions, SATURDAY 27 Aug 2011 was as momentous as 20 Feb 1947 when Attlee announced the decision to transfer power to “responsible Indian hands” “capable of maintaining peace” by June 1948. There were internal factions and conditions attached then also, but there was a timeline.
Shri Hazare and his associates deserve the nation’s gratitude for leading the movement.
Anna has proved that to bring change no political party or hi-fy personality is required.
Jai HO.We should pride our civil society. Who fought for us without their own interest. They made us feel that we are in Democratic country.
Before this movement we all just use to think that this all are our fate. All were just lecturing about system change but no one acted for it. Only this ANNA TEAM has done this for us. ANNA & TEAM ANNA zindabad.
It is easy to write good editorials, if you study the subject. But, from the past experience as a common man with no special clout, the net result will be that I will have to pay to all those whom I have to pay now [ without a Lokpal ] to get anything done, plus to those officers who will act as representatives of the lokpal at the lower levels, especially if it is introduced for the lower levels of government. I wish good for all those who have been struck by the 'Anna' wave. Hope all of you will be living in a corruption free India at least ten years from now.
Though the pristine intentions of the Jan Lokpal Bill is indisputable, the fact that opposition concurred with Team Anna is probably not on ideological grounds but rather with intentions to project a "with the people" image which will obviously help them in forthcoming elections.
Jan Lokpal Bill if ever animated will be a demon for all politicians irrespective of the party.
Simply the best editorial - I wish must be read by all those in the ruling party. I, too, wonder why the political leaders were voicing serious concerns that the movement & Team Anna's Jan Lokpal bill was bound to undermine the supremacy of Parliament. When all the provisions in the draft are in line with the Constitution, which you have very rightly pointed out as supreme over the Parliament, talks of insult or disregard to the institution are just imaginary & were blown out of proportion. The ruling party just misinformed the parliamentarians such that the entire political class could run down the movement & they could go ahead with the official version of the
bill. With this end view, they fielded Rahul who came up with a
'rocking' idea! That their distortions, manipulations failed is the real victory to our democracy. I also wish to add that MPs must command & not demand respect. Many times they only disrespect Parliament & people by their irresponsible behaviour.
I am fascinated by intelectuals in India claiming the supremacy of parliament and its procedures when we have a written constitution. Some of the opinions of intelectuals like Ms Roy were way over the top and showed failure to grasp the aspirations of the people. The reforms suggeted by team Anna are long over due. Having a citizens charter published with ability to adress grievace through a public body will for the first time readress the balance between common man and officials. It will remind government officials that they are there to serve the public not to enhance their own wealth. All of us should be vigilant to keep up the pressure as we know the politicians can't be trusted. We should all remember the yo-yo that the government did in the course of all of this and my feeling is that there are core elements within government that hate all of this.
A great editorial from Hindu.It's true that in a democracy the will of the people is supreme.Kudos to N Ram for bringing out this point in TV debates that Parliament is supreme.The myth carried on by our insensitive Parliamentarians for too long needs to be busted.This is the only method left by the people who have been left at the mercy of the MPs once in 5 years to force the Parliamentarians to hear the Voice of the people.It's a slap on the face of so called self styled intellectuals who used to parrot that the issue is correct but method is bad. For too long the self styled intellectuals were growing at the crumbs thrown by Cong Party.As for other Civil activists like Aruna Roy it is just sheer jealousy.They couldn't muster such support from the people.For too long they have been hobnobbing with the powers that be to get their things done.Hence their space has been usurped by Team Anna.
Lokayuktas and Lokpal has been constituted but what remains to be seen is who will be the safe guarders of this statutory body as it is difficult to find a single(leave a few exceptions) who remain untouched or influenced by corruption. Moreover under who's guiding, supervision these elected people will come remains a blurring issue. Bill has put transparency in all aspects above everything as except 'President of India' everybody will be accountable. If the Bill is passed and law is enacted, the need of the hour is the robust governing bodies.
The events of last one year had filled a lot of angst and frustration among the masses, Anna's protest become a constructive vent for this. The success of this protest lies in bringing the issue of corruption to national platform. The success also lies in the non-violent methods and restraint from both sides, considering the situation in africa and middle eastern countries, we must be proud of our democracy. Even though not much tangible has been achieved till now, it has indeed given some hope that people can bring about a change if they come together. It was also heartening to see parliament rising to the occasion and heeding to the will of the people. Nevertheless, the success of this protest must not be used as an example for dubious means and hideous intentions in future. This is the risk, which a multi-cultural and diverse country like India must avoid at all costs.
I would like to appreciate the editors of The Hindu for putting down these unnoticed provisions in the Jan Lokpal Bill. I think it will increase the literacy towards the lokpal bill among the people. It's sad to accept but corruption has always been a part and parcel of our society. Whether it is at the top or at the bottom. We put up with it because we think it comes with the system. That it comes naturally. Masses in India, in general have come to an understanding that if system has to work smoothly, oil of corruption, bribe etc become necessary. I believe the fight against corruption should start from the very grass-root level. Corruption is a menace, a social stigma, this should in the psyche of people. Education against corruption should be provided right in the schools. The future generation should and would consider it as bad as our generation consider sati or having say 5-7 children. And thus would not indulge in it.
Hindu Editorials always have this balance approach towards any critical issue.
Another Masterpiece from The Hindu....Amazed with the content and quality of article.
Among many school and inter-school debate topics, one that featured invariably was 'How much is Gandhi and Gandhian philosophy relevant in today's world?'. I guess the mass movement lead by Annaji leaves the argument irrelevant now. Congratulations to Team Anna for channelizing the anger and distrust that had built among the people over the last few months, due to the huge scams that the government and its people seemed to carry on doing with no remorse, into a powerful and peaceful mass agitation. It took the government aback. They failed to gauge the measure of anger and backing of the people to the Anna.'Me Anna Hazare Aahe' well and truly became the slogan of the masses and the Gandhian topi, their recognition. The movement reminded the so-called leaders of the country that they are accountable to the people and people can and will ask questions.
Very balanced article. A good one. But I differ on one aspect. I think neither Parliament nor Constitution is supreme. People are supreme in a Democracy. Constitution, parliament etc are means to achieve good governance i.e to simplify the process to serve people. All these institutions exists because 'we the people' have decided to trust it, decided to believe in it. If all the people of India stop trusting or believing, then constitution will be just another book, parliament will be a just another building/Institution. Same holds true for our leaders and representatives too.
Well composed article throwing light on various provisions of Jan Lokpal that few of us knew. And at last true concern has been shown so that this Bill is not blunted ..
A sober and well balanced editorial. Pray to God to shower elementary common sense on the high profile committee to have the common man's, the so called, much abused aam aadmi view points and demands in their perspective while drafting the 'strong' Lok Pal Bill.
The Significant Victory achieved by Anna Hazare is a testimony of his leadership and reflected a true democracy. Hazare's victory is for common man. A secular government should always cherish the feelings of any good leader. Your editorial on this victory achieved by Hazare is thought provoking and let the good work continue.
Amidst the on going euphoria about Jan lokpal bill,everybody seems to be praising Mr. Anna Hajare and his Team but seldom there is any mention of an individual who is responsible for bringing this Frankenstein monster alas corruption to public notice.Yes I am talking about Mr. Vinod Rai, the head of CAG (a constitutional body), whose sincere effort and duty bound attitude has paved the way for bringing the anomalies out in government expenditure in public space.Nation should salute such an honest and sincere officer.So it's not just the institution which is of sacrosanct importance for the democracy of India but its effectiveness is largely dependent on the people who are there at the helm of affairs.
Anna Team should not be carried away by this 'significant victory' as there's many a slip 'twist the cup and the lip. The way the political class showed solidarity and ganged up against Anna initially was ominous. Anna's iron determination won him over but the powerful Establishment can outmaneuver Anna as the Agnivesh drama shows.
a great article....please mail it to Ms Arundhati Roy separately.
Perfect!
Better late than never . Initially 'Intellectuals' at 'the hindu' didnt find this movement intellectually simulating and fielded all the people including Arundhanthi Roy against it.If people of India gets into street and demand a comprehensive law against corruption , newspaper who writes against it citing technicalities will go into oblivion.
People are resilient, unfortunately Politicians are people and they will find a way do it. Did humanity solve the problem of prostitution or alcoholism or drugs? We will not solve Corruption unless, we decide not to practice it! The problem is not with the government, it is with the people. Team Anna should push for another bill to punish people who give Corruption more than who take Corruption. This is a much simpler solution, when there is no demand, there will not be supply! They should legalize corruption like introduce Platinum Premium services like more Tatkaal schemes, Pay to play, etc., Good Luck!
The Hindu too deserves credit for keeping up the pressure in its own way and not falling prey to diversionary arguments over the period.
In one way or other Indian democracy has won. Peoples power stood strongly. It is not a victory for a single activist-Anna Hazare. It is the Indian people has won for the day. Jai Hind.
There can be no only one conclusion and it is that Anna Hazare's the agitation has ignited people with a hope that if they show unity for a cause they can force the mighty government to pass a bill which aims to punish the corrupt. Let us express our sincere thanks to Annaji and his team and the millions who rallied behind Annaji. Thanks are also due to our Members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha who rose to the occasion. It is now possible to hope that the Lokpal bill would be passed at the earliest and the UPA government would consider other reforms also on a priority basis.
Thanks for a very balanced analysis. Annaji peaceful protest fast provided an unbelievable self belief of a simple citizen to achieve social changes without resorting to violence. We are indeed proud of proving to the world the relevance of ethics of the 'means' while striving for achieving an 'end'. Annaji lived by Gandhi's immortal quote that "Violence breeds violence...Pure goals can never justify impure or violent action...They say the means are after all just means I would say means are after all everything. As the means, so the end....If we take care of the means we are bound of reach the end sooner or later." Anna Hazare's anti corruption movement is an shining example and a beacon of civilized light to other countries striving to throw the shackles of injustice.
Balanced one ! congratulation "the Hindu" ,finally some good words
The Editor's views are in consonance with the positive stance taken by 'The Hindu' throughout the peaceful public agitation led by Mr.Anna Hazare. While developed states take suitable measures to take care of the basic needs of people efficiently, under developed states have so far failed to address these needs, which is the root cause of strife. There is no doubt that India will not go back to slumber henceforth and a new India vision is ahead.This is indeed a great development epecially in view of the lives of 1.25 billion Indians.
The struggle of Anna team is the need of the time as the corridors of the administration is flooded with deadly, greezy palms of politicians and bureaucrats in an unbelievable volume and quantity. This situation has shocked mainly the young generation. How ever this situation was sufficiently utilized by Anna team and they start the fight. Government repeatedly did blunders which never ever did by any Government machinery, which resulted in creating a smell of Emergency. What the media did was perfect in its heights. Second blunder the Government tried to mislead the people by saying that Anna team is going to sabotage the parliamentary system as if all the Indians have no faith in the parliamentary democracy but have faith in politicians. Most of the People know that nobody can touch the parliamentary system in this country as it is the most powerful one in the world. The third and greatest blunder was the unfair arrest of Anna. Political will is not public will is the lesson.
I fully agree with your view that,effective Lok Pal at the State level is a must, as they too need lot of cleansing.The Freedom fighters,who fought the British,were so much agitated at the strong arm methods of the rulers, that many of them voluntarily gave up their wealth to swell the funds needed to fight them.Unfortunately, the subsequent members of the political system,found their interest elsewhere.But for the movement of Anna Hazare,this kind of dent into the forts of Corruption would not have been possible.While on this subject,equal importance is needed,if not more, for Judicial Accountability,as also means to Drastically Reduce the Abnormal Delay/s in the disposal of litigations in the various Courts.
Team Anna and the citizens have recieved The "sense of the parliament ". Hope same applies to the UPA and they also got a "sense of the national mood " now. Citizens of India have woken up, with even international media being a key witness. Politicians of all hues must take cognisance of same and ensure the resolution is followed through with strong and efffective legislation as promised on 27th Aug , for a potentially powerful instrument to be put in place at the earliest . The real work has only begun . Politicians and partys must understand the writing on the wall – that IGNORING THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE any longer or playing with the sentiments of the people ,will be playing with fire and there will be a heavy price for them to pay . Citizens on the other hand must understand , the fight against corruption and the many ills in India's public life has only begun .
As rightly pointed out in this article, the issue of selection panel is of great significance, and it's unfortunate that there hasn't been any resolution on that yet. I sincerely hope that the Team Anna, and the rest of the country, does not let the current government's proposal slip through, as that would make the Lokpal, in spite of all the other well though out checks, quite ineffective.
When the members of parliament adamently refuse to sense the mood of the people who elected them,how can we accept that that parliament is supreme? They must realise that having been elected once does not mean that they can behave as they like for 5 years ignoring the wish of the people who elected them!
This is a significant victory for anna but we should not forget that it is also a significant defeat for democratic parliament procedures. we cannot expect democracy to work by forcing our demands on to it. I am as against corruption as any indian who suffered due to it. but i love our democracy more than i hate corruption.Today anna won but tomorrow somebody else may demand and threaten fast unto death until his demand are met. so can we assume this is how our country is governed from now on.
A well analysed editorial which only The Hindu can give. You have rightly said that the Constitution of India is supreme and not Parliament which fact was not properly brought out by the visual media during the last few weeks. Every citizen will share your considered view that the "challenge before the people of India is to ensure, by keeping up the pressure, that in the tricky business of law making in committee and on the floor of the Houses of Parliament a potentially powerful instrument is not blunted."
The text of the constitution starts with the expression "we the people". It is a document made on behalf of the people,of the people, and for the people. How then would it make parliament or parliamentarians superior to the people in any respect? The parliament and other arms of the government are really servants of the people in the democratic India. The recent Anna-led agitation, one hopes, has reminded them of this vital fact.
Wow, hats off...a well researched editorial that needs to be thoroughly praised.. At a time when rest of the print and electronic media seems to be focusing on petty issues(eg. Kiran Bedi dancing with Dupatta) or issuing platitudes or quoting the Congress mouthpieces(eg. Parliament is supreme), this editorial has rightly pointed out the known/not-so-known provision of the Jan Lokpal. I am also really happy to see this editorial calling 'a spade a spade' in analyzing the government's earlier bill. This is the kind of honest, investigative, incisive journalism India needs.
We have to thank God for having a man like Anna among us. Even eminent and able people, who got people's love and respect and were occupying important positions, could not do anything meaningful for peoples welfare. Anna's contribution has to be looked from that angle.People are supreme in a nation - not institutions ; we have to realize that. Only nations, which look beyond narrow walls can survive and progress. Without people's support, nothing will have any meaning. Anna's movement is like third freedom struggle after JP's movement. Political Capitalism,Deceit should be curbed. Without any investment and useful contribution, looting the country in the name of Democracy and governance, if ends, we can be a model nation to others.
The 'LOKPAL',as it literally means -'The protector of people's rights and overall welfare' ,must hit the nail on its head .In the European context,we must pay attention to the various aspects and people reaction on it.Like the Indian constitution it should openly meet the demands of time. Our sole aim must be to become the largest legal lokpal ,after the largest democracy of the world.
A well balanced editorial. Congrats!
A nicely written piece of article and good conclusion. Thx.
Knowing very well how democracy or anything functions in our country, I am, like millions, highly skeptical on how this Act, when enacted, will be used. As years pass by, our politicians and bureaucracy will ensure that all the sharp provisions are blunted enogh to make Lokpal as ineffective as any other Authority. But we live on hopes!
While there seems to be a chance to have a strong lokpal law that has resulted from the agitation by Anna Hazare, what remains to be seen is the effect that this kind of a coercive submission of the parliament would have on the subsequent issues that this country is likely to face. That the parliament had to be subjected to this kind of enforced law enactment speaks volumes of the quality of people who are inside the parliament as also the apathy of the citizens who had elected the former had been showing towards elections in the country. Let the middle class that has so valiantly agitated take part in the electoral process to ensure that the right candidates are elected without any consideration what so ever to other inducements. Let them also practise the spirit of the agitation like non-participation in corrupt practices etc.
I only wish with so many loose ends and divergent views, the bill does not get stalled later, like Women's Reservation Bill.
You have aptly said that it is a 'significant victory' (of the people of India) and that the Parliamentarians who assert on the 'supremacy of Parliament' need to learn their Constitution and make amenable to the truth that 'People's parliament' is supreme. Fortunately, Anna Hazare team had dedicated, self-sacrificing members with expertise in analysing our Constitution precisely and also in the process of law making and working out strategies and tactics for the peaceful building up of pressure to make even the stubborn parliamentarians bow down to the mass agitation. It is also noteworthy to record Anna's suggestion to the 'right to reject' and the 'right to recall', both of which, if implemented, would bring drastic changes in the outlook of the elected representatives and transparency in transactions at all levels.
Your editorial is illuminating. Thanks for emphasising that the authority of the people of India and its Constitution are above legislative institutions, their members and Governments created by them. Governments are meant to serve the people and not to cheat or loot them. Inclusion of the Prime Minister under Lokpal/ as also Cheif Ministers under Lokayukt has is essential, otherwise ministers and bureaucrats can escape under the excuse that they are functioning under the decisions of Cabinet and consent of the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers. Your elaboration on the nuances of Jan Lokpal Bill is also worthy of consideration by Parliamentary Standing Committee. As Anna Hasare has said the movement to exert and establish moral and fundamental rights of citizens should continue. We need amendments to the Constitution to restore the basic concepts evolved by Dr.Ambadkar, to strengthen the federal structure and devolove adequate powers to the States and local administrative bodies.
excellent editorial. In democracy. people are supreme. People have the right to change Constitution. If people want any change, Government should listen to their voice and act accordingly.
Yet miles to go ahead before Janlokpal bill Law is enacted.Lots of plus and minuses. Compromise is the key word for both sides. In short the nation has awakened.Both sides will have to satisfy people.
This is an irrefutable opinion that is cogently, persuasively and powerfully argued.
Excellent editorial! Bravo!
Anna and his Team have definitely scored a major victory for the common man who is at the receiving end from corrupt politicians and officials at all levels. Many, including your paper, expressed reservations about the method adopted by Anna and his Team. However, it is good that Parliament has voted to accept the three demands put forth by Anna. I think that Anna deserves a Nobel Prize for his efforts.
In a mature democracy, people's will should reign supreme. In countries like the USA, mechanisms to gauge public opinion on a constant basis exist and are employed routinely for course correction. Pew Research, Gallup besides several media organizations conduct surveys and publish results to guide the elected representatives. The sad fact is, during the past several months in India, it didn't take a public survey to scope the public mood. It's a testament to the sheer undemocratic nature and/or stupidity of our representatives that they assumed they could pretend Anna / IAC didn't represent the majority opinion. It's a pity that even today there are pseudo-intellectuals that are claiming that what just happened is bad for democracy since it's the demands of a dozen individuals that were accepted overruling the parliament's wishes.
Great article! Thanks for highlighting the supremacy of the parliament issue. I am very sad to see that many so-called intellectuals have tried to subvert the anti-corruption mood of the country into the mindless debates and insistence on respecting the parliament and parliamentarians. Parliament is needed in a democracy but if it fails to listen to people, then people have every right to protest. And lastly parliamentarians should not demand respect but rather earn it by their actions. I hope all these disgruntled intellectuals in India would learn something from this movement and do not insist on superficial issue like respecting the parliamentarians etc. The need of the hour is to have concrete actions taken to help improve the situation and not just some boring utopian discussions on how one should respect whom.
Congrats- an editorial that mirrors the national ethos and concerns. In many ways, Anna's movement is comparable to the independence movement under the Mahatma. In that era, there were nearly 600 odd kingdoms having their individual armies -- while the rulers were fighting with each other to be 'honoured' by the British in the matters of gun salutes and salutations, it took a 'half-naked fakir' to galvanize the nation and throw out the British. At the present, the ruling clique, the opposition parties at both ends of the spectrum, the media, vested interests etc did not (and could not) bring the nation together on this crucial issue -- it took a simple ex-army driver to do that. India will never be the same again. If we fail Anna's vision, we will be failing ourselves and our nation.
Full credit goes to Team Anna, for they didn't compromise on the core issues and forced the govt to respond to the true aspirations of the people. Once the Jan Lokpal act is passed, the disguise of the superior posts / status / positions will not be same for the corrupt and they are more accountable than ever to the people of India. This act will surely induce some discipline and moral responsibility to the Babus and Netas in their activities. The Grievance redressal system within a specified time frame will keep the authorities on their toes and will ensure justice.
However one would want to know, how clearly the UPA govt is going to honour their commitments provided as per this 'Sense of the house' resolution.
An excellent leader(ship) article, balanced in approach yet covering all vital aspects of the ground realities in a nutshell. Congratulations for keeping the focus through all the smoke and mirrors!
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