10 things to know about Anna Hazare and Lok Pal Bill

[Srinivas Aluri]

> 10 things to know about Anna Hazare and Lok Pal Bill
>
> 1. Who is Anna Hazare?
> An ex-army man. Fought 1965 Indo-Pak War
>
> 2. What's so special about him?
> He built a village Ralegaon Siddhi in Ahamad Nagar district,
> Maharashtra
>
> 3. So what?
> This village is a self-sustained model village. Energy is produced
> in the
> village itself from solar power, biofuel and wind mills.
> In 1975, it used to be a poverty clad village. Now it is one of the
> richest
> village in India. It has become a model for self-sustained, eco-
> friendly &
> harmonic village.
>
> 4. Ok,...?
> This guy, Anna Hazare was awarded Padma Bhushan and is a known
> figure for
> his social activities.
>
> 5. Really, what is he fighting for?
> He is supporting a cause, the amendment of a law to curb corruption in
> India.
>
> 6. How that can be possible?
> He is advocating for a Bil, The Lok Pal Bill (The Citizen Ombudsman
> Bill),
> that will form an autonomous authority who will make politicians
> (ministers), beurocrats (IAS/IPS) accountable for their deeds.
>
> 8. It's an entirely new thing right..?
> In 1972, the bill was proposed by then Law minister Mr. Shanti
> Bhushan.
> Since then it has been neglected by the politicians and some are
> trying to
> change the bill to suit thier theft (corruption).
>
> 7. Oh.. He is going on a hunger strike for that whole thing of
> passing a
> Bill ! How can that be possible in such a short span of time?
> The first thing he is asking for is: the government should come
> forward and
> announce that the bill is going to be passed.
> Next, they make a joint committee to DRAFT the LOK PAL BILL. 50%
> goverment
> participation and 50% public participation. Because you cant trust the
> government entirely for making such a bill which does not suit them.
>
> 8. Fine, What will happen when this bill is passed?
> A LokPal will be appointed at the centre. He will have an autonomous
> charge,
> say like the Election Commission of India. In each and every state,
> Lokayukta will be appointed. The job is to bring all alleged party
> to trial
> in case of corruptions within 1 year. Within 2 years, the guilty
> will be
> punished. Not like, Bofors scam or Bhopal Gas Tragedy case, that has
> been
> going for last 25 years without any result.
>
> 9. Is he alone? Whoelse is there in the fight with Anna Hazare?
> Baba Ramdev, Ex. IPS Kiran Bedi, Social Activist Swami Agnivesh, RTI
> activist Arvind Kejriwal and many more.
> Prominent personalities like Aamir Khan is supporting his cause.
>
> 10. Ok, got it. What can I do?
> At least we can spread the message. How?
> Putting status message, links, video, changing profile pics.
>
> At least we can support Anna Hazare and the cause for uprooting
> corruption
> from India.
> At least we can hope that his Hunger Strike does not go in vain.
> At least we can pray for his good health.
>