SCAM SUTRA By John Eric Gomes Just like the Kama Sutra spells every aspect of Sex, every aspect of corruption reaching growing heights have been indulged in right from the controversial 1948 Krishna Menon (Defense Minister) Jeep scam a princely Rs 80 lakhs those days! Major Scams include the Boffors Rs 64 crores kickbacks, Harshad Mehta ripping banks in stock markets estimated at Rs 5,000/- crores, Lalu’s Fodder scam of Rs 950 crores, Telgi stamp scam Rs 30,000 crores, Ketan Parek scam Rs115, 000 crores wiped out from stock markets, Satyam scam, Madhu Koda scam, Telhka sting scam, George Fernandes Coffingate during the Kargill war, sundry Bank scams, Corporate scams, CWG scams, 2G scam, Adarsh Society scam and plenty more omitted due space constraints. The Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF) has issued orders for demolition of the illegal Adarsh Building within 3 months. This will be a test case with the world watching since it clearly involves high level Defense Officers, Politicians, bureaucrats, legal procedures and multiple agencies. It is also a high rise building, high costs, and environmentally sensitive area with security concerns and is a building fait accompli. The usual tactic increasingly used by corrupt governments is to issue illegal permissions, and if that is challenged/does not work, somehow regularize the fait accompli! Many ingenious ways are used to achieve this. Build quickly whilst stalled in files and courts, then to subvert demolition orders or use the excuses of wastage of funds, shortage of accommodation, saving innocent third parties, imposing fines etc. In all this, those responsible are protected and looked after! Fines are easily paid from all the black money made, use of high priced lawyers, bribing of witnesses and so on has become a well established procedure. Vigilance in Central and State governments is largely discretionary, and only after media/public outcry governments agree to institute inquires. Will shielding/protecting the involved Chief Ministers and high officials from the ruling party, delaying demolition, changing laws etc which has become the norm, be resorted to? The Lavasa project has got away by compromising and paying a fine. The Adarsh Society scam could be Turning Point in our fight against rampant corruption that is corroding the nation's soul if complete demolition is accomplished (Experts have precisely demolished bigger buildings) and all those responsible feel the heat! Big order for a large change in India's aam admi's so far futile fight against the all pervading corruption. The Supreme Court whilst pulling up the MP government for misuse of discretionary powers in allotting 20 acres of prime land at throw away prices to the K.T.Trust having L.K.Advani and Venkaiah Naidu as trustees, bemoaned that powers meant to be used for public good during the last 50 years were used for just the opposite! When it was argued that we were better than highly developed nations like USA where pardon is granted to convicts after they donate to party funds, the Supreme Court retorted we were worse, and gave the example of upholding a conviction against a municipal corporator but the Harayana government exercised its power to grant pardon. Even after this was set aside, the government again nullified this order. Goa government circumvented the Supreme Court demolition order by ordinance in the Cidade de Goa case! With corruption reaching every profession and touching even the highest echelons in the Judiciary, drastic change is a crying need. The recent much touted cabinet reshuffle by the Prime Minister has been likened to musical chairs. The same old stalwarts/heavyweights, never mind non performance, scandals and corruption are still there. No sign of new young blood being infused. Bureaucrats are now reportedly trying to dilute the RTI Act. We can surmise what will happen if an RTI is filed wanting to know how much the President spent on her private trip to Goa with her family for boat rides, five star stay etc from the public exchequer? Our Governor first says he is not a public authority, then seeks exemption under the Constitution, as Governor cannot be held personally responsible for whatever he does when discharging his duty. RTI has been touted as a weapon against corruption. As long as high level functionaries, senior bureaucrats and kept immune or made exceptions to rule of law, corruption will never be tackled successfully! What is the immediate solution? First ensure ‘We have to be the Change’ is not merely a cliché. Goa Chaka Chak campaign is an example. Start from our homes, each one walking in the path of right action, segregating and taking care of own garbage, employing civic sense and being good citizens. Second, there has to be a basic behavioral revolution or God forbid we will need a Maoist type revolution! We require long term solutions. Right now the ‘Danda’ is required! All the scams without exception must be expeditiously investigated resulting in punishment for those giving illegal permissions and deterrent consequences like complete demolition, confiscation of illegal assets and jail terms as per the law. Judicial, Administrative and long overdue Police Reforms must be expedited. Lok Pal and Lok Ayuktas must start functioning. Everyone, President to Aam Admi has to come equally under the majesty of the law. Sirens should be used for emergencies and authorized only for Ambulances and Fire tenders. Police use only when chasing criminals! The people in Goa right from village level are now aware and have empowered themselves. Associations in every profession have to develop spine to act and clean up corruption internally. Political parties depending on financial and criminal muscle for elections can only be smashed by an enlightened public. Nitish Kumar has shown the way in Bihar. Even though his stock has grown, he remains true to his humble origins. And last but not least, the Renaissance will have to come from our youth whom we have to give education and not merely qualification to achieve rising India’s full potential where “Satye Mayve Jayate” (Truth Shall Prevail) is not only a slogan on our national emblem.
