Samir, Corruption has nothing to do with earning levels. It has more to do with values, principles and ethics. Earlier, when our bureaucrats, police, ministers, judges were paid a pittance, it was considered understandable when they tried to supplement their income by indulging in corrupt practices. Today, however, corruption is propelled by greed. If you will see the declared wealth of the alleged corrupt people, it is stunning and mind boggling. Their wealth runs into several hundred crores, more than what is enough for several generations. Our new Parliament has more than 350 crorepatis. Mayawati, who was a mere schoolteacher years ago paid income tax of Rs 59 crores last year. Why do we not hear of Income tax raids and investigations against politicians, bureaucrats, police, judges? Why only against ordinary citizens, filmstars, businessmen?
If corruption has to be rooted out, it needs strong deterrent punishment like confiscation, long term imprisonment, social ostracisation, heavy fines. It also needs commitment from ordinary citizens. If we refuse to pay under the table and are willing to suffer the consequences, corruption can be controlled. But then how many of us do not seek the easy way out and then complain and grumble. We too are a part of the problem. Only it feels good to point fingers at others. Look at Sreedharan of Metro fame. He has been able to construct the Konkan railway and the Delhi Metro without a whiff of corruption charges. He has been able to deliver projects on time cutting across red tape, government apathy and political interference. Regards, Marshall
