Tackle corruption

The articles, “Waging war on corruption” (Apr 19) by B G Verghese and “Anna Hazare can’t stop Shri 420’’ (Apr 19) by Surendra Kumar were interesting. Without any doubt, our system needs to restrain politicians, businessmen and officials from breeding corruption. Transparency and accountability are critical in restoring the faith of the people and the Lokpal Bill, if amended, with its strict enforcement would be a welcome step in this direction.

We also must understand that hardly any country on the earth is free from corruption though its degree varies. Based on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) the developed countries are least corrupted with higher CPI. India’s CPI is low (3.3/10). Even Asian counterparts like Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan which have higher CPI can provide necessary impetus to control corruption in India, if we follow their methods of policy reforms. Considering India’s growing economy, it is imperative to alleviate corruption for its inclusive growth and also to improve its international image.

The socio-economic reasons contributing towards corruption need to be addressed as well. We should provide incentives (cash or promotions) to the honest officials. High inflation also promotes corruption. Efforts to lower inflation will also make a significant impact to reduce it. However daunting it may sound, together we can contain corruption.

Dr SANJIV GUPTA, Perth, Australia

II

The article by Surendera Kumar has rightly described that corruption these days is the cause of concern of all Indian citizens. Corruption is too well- entrenched to be eradicated completely in a short time. There is a total decline of moral and ethical values in the system. Anna’s movement has awakened the nation to fight against rampant corruption prevailing in the country. With unimpeachable integrity, honesty and sincerity, Anna has become the beacon of hope for million of Indians who have been outraged by corruption.

There are no quick fix solutions. Arresting and jailing the allegedly corrupt leaders/people from all fields will certainly discourage corruption but it won’t stop corruption until or unless we attack its root cause. The sustainability of ethical values must be added with character. Every individual now must decide to renounce corruption. To root out the menace of corruption there is a need for a multi-pronged approach.

ANJU ANAND, Chambaghat

III

Today, everyone talks of rampant corruption prevalent in our country, loss of faith of people in the system and so on. We have been taking about corruption since Independence but all this talk has been fruitless. Let us not waste time in accusations and counter accusations. Instead we should take concrete corrective steps for improvement of the state, before it is too late.

Dr DK SAXENA, Dalhousie

Road network

National highways and intercity road communications are the responsibility of the Centre and state governments respectively. Towns and cities are responsible for making and maintaining roads.

It is time to take this network into rural areas from link roads to the fields of individual farmers. This would facilitate speedier movement of agriculture produce, reduce wear and tear of modes of transportation, prohibit encroachment of these track by farmers, enhance value of landed property and enthuse pride among the land owners as every piece of land will have road-head. Such a project could be co-ordinated by the State Mandi Board and executed by village panchayats.