Though it is true that the magnitude of corruption in Central government departments is mind-boggling and needs to be tackled (“The Lokpal and the CBI,” Sept. 5), it is State government departments — police, revenue, transport, civil supplies, registration — which a common man needs to approach on a regular basis and where he experiences greater corruption. It is graft here that bothers the common man more extensively. Keeping this in mind, it is more important to have a stronger anti-graft machinery at the State level.
Though Mr. R.K. Raghavan's suggestions are worth examining, there are practicial difficulties.
B. Harish,New Delhi
The writer's recommendations to bring the CBI under the Lokpal, though well-intentioned, could lead to a clash of jurisdiction and authority.
The Lokpal cannot function like a super cop supervising the other cases of the CBI. It appears that a shortage of trained manpower in the CBI is the main obstacle, which can be overcome through a timebound recruitment and training plan.
V.N. Mukundarajan,Thiruvananthapuram
Mr. Raghavan is aware of the nuts and bolts of the organisation as well as the pros and cons in case the anti-corruption wing is shifted to the Lokpal. Team Anna has given a strong push to the government, and the Standing Committee should grab this opportunity to recommend an all-embracing bill keeping Mr. Raghavan's suggestions too in mind.
K. Nehru Patnaik,Visakhapatnam
It is not surprising to know that CBI would never like either to be compartmentalised or have its authority diluted. Similarly, the CVC also may not like to part with its power of superintendence of anti-corruption work. Once the Lokpal becomes a reality, some balancing has to be done and consensus reached, although thereby incurring the displeasure of the CBI or the CVC. The dearth of manpower cannot be cited as the reason in a country with so many educated, honest and intelligent people in every field.
Vathsala Jayaraman,Chennai
One wonders if bringing the CBI under the ambit of the Lokpal would restrict its functioning, since the Lokpal's focus is corruption while the CBI functions across a broad spectrum. Though the dismemberment of CBI does not seem like a good solution, the alternative of shifting its authority would give undue power to the Lokpal.
Krishnapriya V.S.,Chennai
I differ with the views expressed by the writer. If the CBI is to be a force to reckoned with, it should be truly independent. Today, it is certainly influenced by politicians, whatever one may say.
Likewise, a bifurcation of the CBI will not serve the purpose and it should be brought under the control of the Lokpal. As the Lokpal will have judicial influence, the CBI will have enough guidance and protection.
T. Anand Raj,Chennai
A “thoughtful fusing” of the CBI with the proposed Lokpal looks ideal. However, as long as the CBI is tied to the apron strings of the political masters who use it as their pet handmaid, the twain will never meet in harmony.
Col. C.V. Venugopalan (retd.),Palakkad
