Chanakya's New Manifesto: To Resolve the Crisis within India by Varma Pavan K

Author:Varma, Pavan K. [Varma, Pavan K.]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
ISBN: 9789382277934
Publisher: Aleph Book Company
Published: 2013-08-27T18:30:00+00:00

Thus, Chanakya’s New Manifesto states:

3.1 Laws against dishonest behaviour cannot be based on abstract notions of idealism and a lofty code of conduct.

3.2 Gandhiji’s unblemished personal idealism perhaps made us believe that individuals will voluntarily make the correct moral choice. However, the decades after 1947 have incontrovertibly proven that unless the systemic architecture to prevent corruption is strong and unyielding, individual choices are likely to be corrupt, amoral or downright immoral. Our efforts to root out corruption must, therefore, be system-centric, not individually focused.

3.3 Piecemeal solutions will not suffice as they will only result in the corrupt figuring out new ways to be dishonest. To counter this, any measures that are taken need to get to the heart of the problem while ensuring deterrence that is uncompromising and swift. At the same time, the complexity and widespread nature of the problem should lead us to be realistic in our response. To try and do too much too quickly will inevitably lead to failure. It is better to think clearly; concentrate on specific areas of action.

3.4 After careful consideration, it is suggested that our attempt to eradicate corruption be concentrated on five key areas. These include reform of the funding and financial accountability of political parties, and the political system; the neutral infusion of technology into as many areas as possible where the common man has to deal with government; the elaboration and finalization of a model legal framework ensuring transparency and fair play in all laws relating to the disposal or acquisition of national resources and government procurement processes; and the institution of deterrent action in a time-bound and exemplary manner for all acts of corruption. This, in turn, presupposes substantive judicial reforms; and, the creation of an independent and effective Lokpal or ombudsman.

3.5 As is abundantly clear, corruption in the funding and expenses of political parties is the fountainhead of much of the corruption in the country. Measures to deal with this have been discussed at length in the chapter on democracy. It is a fact that corruption can never be eliminated in the country until substantive reform takes place in this arena. The first major step in this direction must be the passage of effective legislation on electoral reforms.

3.6 The neutral intervention of technology severs the role of the human intermediary in the interface between the citizen and the government.

3.7 The role of technology is essential because the presumption must be that, in its absence, unaccountable and unmonitored discretionary powers will be misused by officials for corrupt purposes. This is not a cynical approach. For the reasons explained earlier, and based on verifiable experience, this presumption is valid most of the time.

3.8 It is common knowledge that ordinary citizens seeking their due in terms of caste, birth, marriage and domicile certificates, electricity connections, voter’s cards, ration cards, copies of land records, income certificates, driving licence renewals, etc. suffer the most because of the extortionate practices of venal officials. Technology, which short-circuits this vicious nexus, is a key ally in the fight against corruption.

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