The article “A step away from corruption is anarchy” (July 5) is a repetition of all the analysis, sermons and speeches we have been given in the past year or so on corruption — general statements without practical solutions. Will policing the police solve corruption in the police force? If, as Shanti Bhushan argues, corruption is rampant and all pervasive, no independent watchdog is going to help. Corrupt politicians are a reflection of the society we live in. The discussions on the issue are superficial. The supporters of the anti-corruption movement are shooting in the dark.
V. Ajith Kumar,
Kozhikode
Corruption is certainly a vicious, contagious disease polluting India. But it is not just the responsibility of our police, politicians or Anna Hazare to eliminate it. We, the citizens, have a responsibility to stop bribing and receiving bribes. We can start organisations to protect people fighting against corruption. Let us not live in the fantasy that the bureaucracy, police, and politicians will eliminate corruption for us. When even the educated are willing to bribe, how can an independent watchdog rein in the corrupt?
Jane Mary Kurian,
Kochi
Corruption is no longer the exception. It has actually become the system. Ambulance attendants demand money before picking up accident victims, hospital staff stretches out his hand for tips before bringing a bedpan or a glass of water, the police demand that the complainant buy carbon papers and stationery for registering an FIR. Syndicated corruption has plagued the bureaucracy. Watchdog institutions are toothless. India cannot afford any revolution now as it would be too dangerous. It needs to look for a practicable, and democratic mechanism to curb corruption.
K. Suresh Babu,
Tiruchi
The article is a sad reminder of the state of affairs. I am in my early 20s. A year ago, when I was doing my post-graduation from a Central government institute, bribes were a must to get scholarships, grade sheets and certificates. Those who aired their grievances were ignored, even penalised in some cases.
The administrative machinery follows the motto “catch them young.” So it wasn’t a big shock for me when I realised that a bribe was necessary in my State to get a faculty post in a government aided private institution. But what about the innocent unemployed youth who buy application forms and prepare genuinely for interviews only to realise that it is all a farce? The elders console us saying it is all part of life or welcome us to the Indian way of living.
Deepak Sebastian,
Ernakulam
