People's draft of anti-graft

Finally people’s draft of anti-graft passed as resolution in parliament just a while ago.

I praise this man vociferously for standing tall. He stood tall till there was enough certainty in the cloud. I hail this man as he ensured that all the important conditions that represent people and affect people at large are brought into the government’s draft. I cannot think of any word that can describe the manner in which he led the entire motion with utmost tranquility. (And I say this because he was called a goon smeared in corruption even before he started his movement and was arrested a day later in morning even before he stood his ground). I salute Anna and celebrate as citizen of this country, as this evening I am feeling a sense of assurance that going forward we may not find ourselves in ‘lachari’ by these ‘Sarkari Karmchari’. But while I rejoice, there is still a wave of wind that takes away my hat leaving me with a question – “How long does it take for a resolution to pass through both houses and be enacted as a bill?”

I am keeping my fingers crossed, and this act of mine only reflects the degree of trust that has been shaped by this government. The nation has witnessed in recent times the dillydallying on an issue of such national importance which directly is related to the so called ‘aam aadmi’. Yes, we have to wait and watch and I hope this entire effort of Anna and his men do not end tragically. In fact, I learned today that Lokpal Bill was passed in the year 1969 but even before it could be passed in Rajya Sabha the Indian National Congress split that year which led to dissolution of government. The rest is a painful history. Our country has witnessed an impasse on this subject since then.

Now, I hope that parliamentarians and the member of standing committee honor this man (they have done the entire day in words). But action is what shall counts in the end. I remember one the senior member of parliament and honorable minister recalled the oath taken while assuming the power to protect the constitution and law, but i would like to state that the same oath proceeds into devoting time into well being of people and servicing them. Everybody involved into taking this resolution forward and making this a reality should do it earnestly and quickly. That day will the real day of victory for the citizenry of this country.

Is Ombudsman or Jan Lokpal Bill enough?

Is an ombudsman, who can investigate independently on a complaint against government officials or a strong Jan lokpal bill sufficient to eradicate corruption? Yes and a No.

Yes, as it is a step forward towards eradication. The body would not only directly function to curb corruption but it would also investigate and act for complaint of corruption which would further instill a sense of fear in the minds who would want to bribe.

No, for the simple reason that no law can actually eradicate evils that exist in society. It can only help in reducing the crime to an extent. Thus, it will just be another body or forum which would help to reduce corruption but may not eradicate it completely.

I have recently come across an incident which makes me feel that will take serious time before we see a nation where government officials serve their citizenry. And I state this with deepest sentiments since this incident marks a serious dent into my mind that believed that every individual, other than officials inside parliament, carry similar national sentiments as that of Anna. For all these days, i have only seen people who are deeply touched by Anna Hazare's act and his sincere effort towards ensuring a corrupt free nation.

For the first time, i came across enamored individuals dastardly attacking Anna'a action with words. Abusing the purity and serenity of an individual who always addressed his supporter and followers at maidan with broad chest and smiling face envisioning a nation that shall prosper with its richness.

For these officials (comes under central ministry of .....oh yes government officials) Anna's movement is leading to a serious revenue loss on a daily basis. They feel government need not feel insecure as it has all the ammunition's (bhais bhi hamari and lathi bhi hamari phir kaisa dar referring to CBI & Police) that can protect and shield their action even if a strong lokpal exists. I was astonished at their extreme views as one of these officials felt that he (Anna) must be assassinated as his movement's growing fervor would lead to national awakening taking away daily bonuses of these crooks.

Their entire conversation has left me bewildered and i kept wondering with several doubts cast over my mind about the effectiveness of Jan Lokpal Bill. May be we do not need a Jan Lokpal Bill, if we all commit to ourselves that we will not involve ourselves into any illegitimate profits. But then we may not need any law either, if people do not commit any crime.

Back on the roads of Mumbai

It felt good to be back on the roads of Mumbai after long two weeks away from hustles and bustles of the city. This is something that I am used to and probably every mumbaites who has to travel the length of the city. If I do not hit its road it gives me a sense that something is missing in my life, a sense similar when i am no in town too. Not that I adore the crowd and traffic or dislike peace and calm of cushion. In fact it is other way round I detest the traffic the most, and love to be under the pillows, but yet not hitting the roads takes away the very element that triggers a sense of doing something on that day.

While I stayed away from all the actions, there is lot that happened last week and the action is still on. I followed Anna Hazare and his campaign in bits and pieces and I must first salute this man who has swept the entire nation. His clarion call has been taken very seriously and is really heartening to see that people are supporting his campaign wholeheartedly. Now that he has now finally moved to Ramlilla Maidan it would be interesting to know what follows suite.

It has been a cat and mouse game between government and Anna so far and Anna has had upper hand since the beginning. Always a step ahead as though he was aware of government's each and every move. An experienced campaigner, which he is, showed his class and might and also demonstrated that he had been part of Ramdevji's campaign he would have made a difference. Obviously, there are certain dissimilarities between the campaigns, his being more precise and restricted to an agenda, the Jan Lokpal Bill.