This refers to the editorial “The crooked must pay” (May 1). The amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, will go a long way in halting corrupt elements. The key is to instill fear among the corrupt. However, it is also imperative to have a conductive environment for honest officers. The Government is rightly trying to do both.
Our civil servants are confused about their priorities. In their eagerness to please their political bosses, officers often err to the detriment of public interest. They often assume hostile and confrontational attitudes, thereby delaying important decisions. With the new amendments, the Government has finely balanced stringent punishment for corrupt bureaucrats with a buffer zone that frees honest officers from bad influences. The Government has ensured that, while a deliberate misconduct cannot escape punishment, an unintended mistake can be forgiven. The bottom line is that honest and upright officials will have their way in advising the Ministers appropriately.