2007 - India faces an enemy, which has stealthily colluded with the people in our country. This enemy is Corruption, and India is hurtling towards a dangerous future if this subornment is not controlled. We use the term “controlled” because to assume that this evil can be completely annihilated is irrational optimism, not feasible as yet. To fight this adversary we need to have unbelievable determination, restoration of civic responsibility in citizens and perseverance.

                                                                                                                                                                                           On 9th December 2007 – International Anti-Corruption Day, members of 12 organizations staged a dharna in front of Town hall. The organizations which participated are – Coalition against Corruption (which includes Public Affairs Centre, Swabhimana, Consumer Care Society, Consumer Rights Education, Awareness and Training, Association for Voluntary Action and Services, and Karuna Trust), National Federation of Indian Women, Karnataka Mahiti Hakku Jagruti Vedike, Mahiti Hakku Adhyayana Kendra, Fight Corruption Now Forum, Bhrashtachara Nirmoolana Vedike, Pragati Syndicate and The National Federation of Women Lawyers, Karnataka Chapter. They also submitted a memorandum to Governor Rameshwar Thakur; the memorandum comprises a 10-point demand charter, including constitution of district and taluk –level committees, to curb corruption. The following were the points in the memorandum;

 

1.      The High-level Committee on anti-corruption to be made operational.

2.      Standing Committee as advised by Cabinet Secretary in 2004 is to be constituted to protect honest officers.

3.      District and Taluk Committees to be constituted to curb corrupt practices.

4.      Central Government to ratify the United Nations Convention against corruption.

5.      More powers to the Lokayukta.

6.      All public servants including AIS officers to disclose their assets to the public.

7.      Seek vigilance clearances for all postings of Secretary level and above.  

8.      Vigilance Officers to be appointed from among AIS Cadre to all Departments.

9.      Including Right to Information Act, Prevention of Corruption Act and Human Rights Act in the syllabus at high-school level.

10.Officers under the scan of Lokayukta, CBI or Vigilance Commission to be suspended.

 

We would like to thank all those who participated in this event for the support and most importantly for their “voices”. In the past few decades when the reforms were more focused on economic growth, foundation of legal systems, policies and privatizations; good governance, accountability and transparency were ushered into the backseat making way for corruption to join its greasy hands with the government and citizens alike which has today progressed into a hand-cuffs. Corruption, today, figures in all walks of life, in political campaigns, procuring public services, or merely attempting to acquire what is rightfully ours. It is always a collaborative sin, the “giver” as well as the “taker” makes the action of corruption absolute. So “WE” are EQUALLY responsible for this present day dilemma in our country. It should be the key concern for every citizen, businesses and organization alike to reject this deteriorated way of living and fight corruption. The time is now; say ‘NO’ to corruption today for a better tomorrow.

 

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