Is a transparent India possible? This is exactly what church leaders, legal experts, NGOs, academicians, students and social activists discoursed about at a consultation in Vellore, Tamil Nadu.
Amid an upsurge in corruption and poor governance, attaining a transparent society will be full of legal obstacles and social opportunities. However, the consultation discerns that upon concerted involvement of all socially inclusive sections, a transparent culture can be made feasible.
Aiming to launch a crusade for a just and equal social order at all levels, the discussion convened by the Commission on Justice, Peace and Creation of the NCCI and Vellore Institute of Developmental Studies, critically analyzed the dynamics of Transparency, Accountability and Responsibility (TAR), and universally voted for the adoption of a multi–pronged attack against the monster of corruption and bribery that has seeped far into the society.
They identified the practices of corruption and bribery that has fostered evil like casteism, nepotism and all kinds of imbalances leading to a widening of the gap between the rich and the poor.
"Corruptive practices had shaped and swayed politics, bureaucracy and judiciary to a large extent in the 62-year old independent and democratic India, which is in the process of scripting an inclusive society with economic sinews of development," observes the discussants.
They feel the rampant corruption is to be one of the major social evils stunting the desired development to realize the goal of transforming India into a superpower. Besides, lack of awareness, ignorance and lack of access to laws such as RTI Act, complacency and indifference on the part of the law enforcing authority, has contributed to a deplorable condition.
On the contrary, they note that transparency can be the most effective antidote to corrupt or inept governance. "If a solid foundation for a vibrant government and able governance are to be built, public values, transparency, accountability and responsibility must be imbibed in all public-centric societal relations."
The Right to Information (RTI) Act 2005, they say, is a boon to boost up transparency and accountability. However, as not many at the grass-root level perceive its importance, an awareness campaign must be launched.
Further they demand, "Instead of expanding the ambit of the RTI Act, any systematic attempt to restrict its scope should be resisted. The Public Information Officer (PIO) should be made more citizen-friendly.”
It is not just the government and its leaders, even the Christian churches and institutions were called not to misuse minority rights and cover up unhealthy practices. They were urged to set up an effective grievance redressal system to address genuine complaints at all levels.
In addition, all NGOs and service organizations should maintain regular social audit of their programmes and make “stand-alone” example in public affairs. The Vellore consultation beseeched them to engage in concrete awareness building for a better India in the 21st century.
Ministries
Call to combat corruption for a transparent India
By: Rinu Varghese
Wednesday, 28 October 2009, 16:18 (IST)
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Added: Wednesday, 28 October 2009, 18:58 (IST)
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