M A I L B A G

People should unite to combat corruption

I read the Editor's Column, “The growing cancer — nation is becoming too permissive of corruption”, by H.K. Dua (The Tribune, Oct 16). His concern at the deep-rooted corruption in the country and the apathy and disillusionment of the people is appreciable.

Neither politicians nor the bureaucracy can do enough to weed out corruption. This is because, unfortunately, they have also been afflicted by this “disease”, which has more or less acquired an institutionalised shape. That is why the corrupt don't hang their head in shame. The answer lies again with the common man. If he rises alone to fight corruption, he will be destroyed by the system. But if a number of honest men come together and fight the problem, it will become a movement. The movement will become strong.

Of course, some sacrifices will have to be made. But sacrifices are bound to bear fruit. The movement will reassure the common man, and help the honest within the government machinery to come out of the web of the institutionalised corruption. It wil thus isolate the corrupt people in the system.

Anusha Singh, student, Lady Shri Ram College, New Delhi

II

Of course, there is no easy solution to this national bankruptcy of character as depicted in the article “The growing cancer”. In my opinion, corruption can be checked only by reducing the role being played by the state in the life of its citizens. Lesser the people have to look towards the state for the fulfilment of their basic needs, the lesser they would come in contact with the government officials and lesser would be the harassment which ultimately makes them pay bribes for getting their work done.

I suggest that government monopolies in basic sectors like power distribution and railways — two of the most corrupt departments — should end and the private sector should be allowed to step in. It will not only eliminate huge operational losses leading to budgetary deficits, but also provide the state with an additional source of revenue. It will also ensure better services to people and that too without the payment of bribes. Improvement in the efficiency of BSNL is one such example.

Ashu Kumar Jain, Mohali

III

Corruption nowadays is the most acceptable “phenomenon”, both socially and politically. It has laid a siege on the system. We are steadily getting addicted to its taste and flavour. Corruption enjoys more public support than all the political parties collectively have. It should not be surprising if in future we have political parties being formed for promoting and safeguarding “legalised corruption”. The submissive and easy-going attitude of Indians in general is promoting corruption.

DEEPKARAN SINGH DALAL, Chandigarh

A question of survival

President Musharraf  has got a Bill passed in Pakistan's parliament allowing him to continue as Army Chief despite his earlier promise to step down (October 15). One can well understand General Musharraf's compulsions and concerns. Who knows the new Army Chief may topple the President the way the latter overthrew the then  Prime Minister, Mr Nawaz Sharif.

Obviously, President Musharraf will not like to leave anything to chance. It is a question of his survival.

Wg. Cdr. S.C. KAPOOR (retd), Noida

Stress control

When caught in stress, ask yourself whether what your are thinking is right. If not, reject it outright and switch on to music or concentrate on some alternative activity. The latter would be more feasible as music may not be so easy to switch on and this should be practised with controlled breathing.

Try it for some time till you start having balanced breathing, which is the best sign of the peace of mind.

V.S. MAHAJAN, Chandigarh

Jurisdiction of Lokpal Apropos of the editorial “Elusive Lokpal: Will Parliament ever enact the legislation?” (Oct 1), the Lokpal and Lokayuktas are like the institution of Ombudsman, running since 1980 in Sweedon. Inspired by the idea that there is an effective mechanism to redress an individual’s grievances, the Administrative Reforms Commission recommended the establishment of an office in India known by the names of Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in the states. Clause 33 of the initial Bill concerning the Lokpal says that “The Lokpal will have no jurisdiction to conduct an enquiry into any allegation against the President and the Vice-President.” Yes, the question of inclusion or exclusion of the Prime Minister under its purview was discussed in Parliament and outside it. What Vice-President Shekhawat says, “Let us not create even an imaginary iota of doubt about the unimpeachable integrity of these (President and Prime Minister) high constitutional offices”, is to be okayed and the Bill passed accordingly. OM PARKASH WADHWA, Head (Public Administration) Government College, Gohana