Lokpal: Corruption Control

I got inspired today to understand both the Government Lokpal and Jan Lokpal bills after reading the update of Sri Ramdev's endeavor in Haridwar as well as Sri Anna Hazare's in Rajghat.

Both the bills address only the past misdeeds (Reactive) and do not cover the prevention (Proactive) of misdeeds. I believe that Lokpal must also be empowered to audit any government office proactively at a defined frequency. The audit frequency can be based on an assessment of the risk of corruption as perceived by Lokpal.

Looking at both the bills, I felt that the Government Lokpal version is too lean, that will result is a fast process with less quality of result defeating the purpose of Lokpal. Whereas the Jan Lokpal is very elaborate and will result in a thorough, but slow, process with a good result quality. However even in this case the purpose may not be achieved due to the prolonged process and the wrong timing of action. Ideally a Lokpal bill must be in-between the two and must also include a proactive compliance process to prevent corruption.

Sri Ramdev’s motivation to raise an army of 11,000 is just a manifestation of frustration. I am sure neither he nor the other protestors have any intention of this kind. Definition of a clear approach with clear timelines will avoid such unfortunate manifestations in the future. On the other hand, considering the fact that efforts are on to introduce the Lokpal bill since 1968, it looks obvious that the Government on its own, whoever may have been elected, cannot on their own introduce this bill due to a lot of internal conflicting interests. Unfortunately even the corporate may not be really interested in getting the bill introduced due to obvious conflicting reasons.

Therefore a nationwide peaceful pressure from the public is, in my opinion the only way forward. Maybe getting all the NGO’s, Schools and Colleges involved could accelerate the process. The journey will however not be an easy one and will definitely not end by this year’s Independence Day as requested by Sri Anna Hazare.

I am of the opinion that the hidden cause for corruption is the feeling of insecurity. This feeling of financial, emotional, intellectual or physical insecurity will drive an individual to perform acts against the conscious not considered as humane and ethical. Corruption can manifest as amassing illegal wealth, as doing inhumane acts, as working for the a superior power against the conscious, as talking ill of others in their absence, etc.

Giving security will reduce corruption. To this effect, in my opinion the best punishment for the accused after establishing guilt would not be to confine, but to give them social work under the supervision of empowered NGO's. Confinement should be an option only as a last resort.

The funds recovered can be used for education (schools), security (police) and NGO's where the accused will be rehabilitated.

With this approach we will improve the quality of life and with is a better financial, emotional, intellectual and physical security.