Corruption is a symptom of the larger malaise that afflicts our political and social system. It can be checked if our governance mechanisms improve
Amidst high drama, the lokpal finally becomes a reality with Parliament giving its nod. With this, the national aspiration of a corruption-free nation has begun rearing its head.
In the present scenario where tales of sleaze and loot regularly adorn the newspapers and television channels, this is definitely a noble achievement that gladdens the heart, with Anna Hazare, Parliament and the Government sharing the honours. The intent is no doubt pious and the motives honourable, yet, having delved in the complex maze of the tantra for a considerable period of time, makes me wonder whether this historic move would indeed deliver what its founding fathers envisaged.
The plethora of agencies to combat corruption, namely the lokayukta in the States, the Central Vigilance Commission, the Central Bureau of Investigation and the CVOs in ministries and public sector organisations have obviously not met expectations. Despite their larger than life presence, the magnitude as well as the pervasiveness of corrupt practices has been on a steady rise. In this scenario, the establishment of one more agency may perhaps not deliver what the nation really aspires for. Moreover one wonders whether merely increasing the number of check posts would really help the cause of a corruption free state.
Mere intent is not enough. A thorough appreciation of the complex mechanisms that we have inherited is essential. That is where the mandarins of the nation who root for corruption-free governance have been failing. Perhaps the intent is also peripheral in nature as mere symptomatic treatment of a deeply-rooted disease is not leading anywhere.
In over 33 years of working with the tantra, I am yet to come across a superior who brought the issue of corruption on the table. I am also yet to attend an official meeting in which the ills of the organisation, especially those relating to corruption and value systems, are discussed candidly. Similarly, an Independence Day celebration at the Red Fort where the Prime Minister makes an open call to eradicate corruption and warns those indulging in graft of swift and severe consequences, is yet to be witnessed. In such a scenario, how can one be certain that lofty proclamations of attempts to eradicate corruption are not mere eyewashIJ It is also sad that almost everyone who is in the business of governance feels helpless and the apex levels who remain insulated from the maladies of the nation have no stake in bringing about the improvements that they also once aspired for. In the drive to reach the upper echelons, a large majority of the bureaucracy as well as the politicos have given the go by to almost everything, namely deliverance, honesty and value systems.
We call corruption a national malady, yet it is merely a symptom. Any symptomatic treatment, therefore, is bound to fall flat on its face as we have witnessed until now. A nation in which every single interaction of the common man with the sarkari tantra is invariably laced with corruption, is not in a happy state of affairs. If society has indeed gone to seed then precious little can be done. That makes me lean towards the belief that the tantra is to blame, not our moral fabric.
The complexity of the tantra is at the root of both corruption as well as non-deliverance. A plethora of thumb impressions that then delivered, ensured a casual and a corrupt approach in the changed scenario. It is indeed sad that the complexity and the lack of trust continue unabated in the garb of combating corruption, despite a self-rule of over six decades. Unless those in positions of power and authority start appreciating the need to radically simplify and recast the decision-making and contractual mechanisms as well as the agonisingly slow judicial process, there is no hope whatsoever of a corruption free Bharat.