Indian Corruption - Lokpal and Fight against Corruption - Lok Satta Party

[Surendra Srivastava]

Our media is full of tales of massive corruption and abuse of office involving those in high public office. Yet, we have no satisfactory mechanism to punish the corrupt, and protect the public interest. 

An Indian couple, Dr Anil Sharma and his wife Kiran indulged in serious healthcare fraud over thirty years in Texas State in the US. Recently, a Boston Federal Court sentenced them to 15 years of jail term, and confiscated all their assets worth $43 million. 

No hunger strikes, agitations, or parliamentary paralysis – just simple, straight forward, effective action to punish wrong doing!

As Gladstone said “The purpose of a government is to make it easy for people to do good; and difficult to do evil”. Lokpal institution is one important step in fulfilling that mission. 

Lokpal can enquire into complaints of corruption or abuse of office by all high functionaries, and ensure strong, exemplary, deterrent punishment. Understandably, such a law has not become a reality for over 40 years. Now, with 2G spectrum and Commonwealth Games scams, the CVC appointment fiasco, and the massive corruption in allocation of mines, coastal zones, SEZs and other resources in various states, people want a credible Lokpal. 

Ideally, Lokpal should enquire into any complaint, or on its own (suo moto), and should have its own independent investigative team with powers and resources. Its orders must be binding. If Lokpal recommends removal of an official based on its findings, dismissal must be automatic. Lokpal should also be able to launch prosecution. 

Simultaneously, the anti-corruption law should be strengthened to provide for stiffer punishment and confiscation of property of corrupt persons.

While all agree that a robust, strong, independent and effective Lokpal is needed, there are some issues to be resolved. Should the Prime Minister be under its jurisdiction? Should there be a separate mechanism to enforce accountability of higher judiciary? How do we ensure seamless integration of anti-corruption wing of CBI and CVC with Lokpal? How do we ensure creation of Lok Ayuktas as corresponding institutions in States? These and other issues require urgent resolution.

Finally, Lokpal and Lokayuktas are necessary, but not sufficient to curb corruption. We need other reforms – decentralization and empowerment of citizens, electoral reform to make honest and credible persons electable through honest means, and political party reform. The time has come for all citizens to join the fight against corruption, and to protect the future of our children.

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Regards,

Surendra Srivastava
Volunteer - Lok Satta Aandolan
Tel: +91 22 2377 2279 Email: sure...@loksatta.org.in , 

URL: www.surendrasrivastava.com
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