Now, graft is on the table!

Experts from various fields share their views on Jan Lokpal Bill

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Profusely thanking the recently concluded movement launched by social activist Anna Hazare for the implementation of the said Bill, Raja said that youths have extended support for the cause.

In all likelihood, the similar movements in the future may assume shape of the size of movements led by Jayaprakash Narayan. Dr R Balasubramaniam of Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM) said it’s a misconception that the Bill will help in checking corruption.

It’s just a weapon to contain its existence.

Moreover, it would be wrong to say that only politics is hit by the social malady. It has pervaded NGOs and private companies too. If corruption, that promises few benefits is widely practiced in urban parts, it’s a different story altogether in the rural parts. To make the Bill strong enough, Lok Pal should be bolstered with more powers and the convicts should be awarded punishment within a year of filing the cases.

Prof R Indira from the Department of Sociology, University of Mysore attributed the menace to greed among officers and politicians.

However, money should not be the only parameter to say he or she is corrupt, as it’s being rampantly practiced in the names of caste, social justice and also violence. It doesn’t mean, those out of the box have no role to play. It’s the people again who are encouraging corruption.

Earlier, another definition for graft was- under the table.  But now it can be construed as on the table. Accepting bribe in open, is no more a matter of shame.

Rotarian G K Balakrishnan said decentralisation of power, more power to Lokayukta and Lok Pal could help check corruption.

Rotary District 3180 Chairman Yashaswini Somashekar, rotarian Vishwanathaiah and others were present.