Immune to scams: Our country has become immune to scams and scandals which are unearthed belatedly but precious little is done to stop their recurrence. For a little while, they remain in the news but the moment dust settles on them, the vicious circle of malpractices starts as usual.

Corruption is a universal phenomenon. But in our country a major portion of funds earmarked for development is siphoned off by the powers-that-be. Rules are meant for the weak whereas the strong flout them with impunity.

I agree with the writer that accountability has to be a part of our working democracy. Democracy is a boon, but the forces which are running it have converted it into a bane. We need a system of governance that works for the welfare, development and prosperity of the country and its people. Otherwise no form of government is going to be effective.

Tarsem S. Bumrah, Batala

Fear of punishment: Every political party over the years has promised accountability and transparency of governance, but they fight for justice and the people's rights only when they are in the opposition. The fight ends when they enter the corridors of power. Our leaders' concern for the poor and their protests for the aggrieved turn to no more than a whimper when they reach the Treasury Benches. The business of corruption and a hypocritical concern for the nation go on and so do their shady and dubious deals in all fields without even sparing defence and national security.

To expect the political leadership to root out these evils from the system, is like asking a thief to order his own imprisonment. Again, most of our citizens are neither enlightened nor vigilant. The only ray of hope may come from the judiciary. Most of our problems persist because our redressal system is neither fast not deterrently effective. If we could confiscate all movable and immovable assets of politico-economic criminals during the pendency of a case, they would not run for adjournments but help the judiciary to reach a quick decision. Only the fear of quick and deterrent punishment can keep the criminal away from crime.

Ved Guliani, Hisar

Polity debased: Ours is essentially a feudal and socio-economically undemocratic society with a callous disregard for the underprivileged and the poor. We are worshippers of power, glamour and wealth. Years of insecurity and deprivation have made us excessively security-minded and we are unwilling to take risks for the sake of ideals.

Again, we are not public-spirited by nature. We are pre-occupied with the pursuit of personal and family interests. We live happily with the notion that rules are not for the rulers.

The last four decades have seen the decay of the party system and the rise of a class that looks upon a political career as a means for personal aggrandisement and pursuit of power. With such persons exercising power, the debasement of the polity was a foregone conclusion. The first priority, therefore, should be to change the kind of persons who exercise power. Economic offenders, caste brokers, and convicted smugglers should not find their way into legislative chambers.

K. M. Vashisht, Mansa

Accountability management: The work of the government is shrouded in mystery and the Official Secrets Act gives it legal sanction. What is required is accountability under which the citizens have a right to know what exactly goes on. The decisions should be reasoned and contain innate logic. The bureaucracy considers itself accountable to procedures as if the procedures constitute an end in themselves.

The government must draw up a comprehensive system of accountability management. This system will ensure smooth functioning, whoever be the players of governance.

Corruption has survived more in the democratic set-up. Accountability has suffered because either the law lacks adequate teeth or the politicians cover up the misdeeds of one another.

Assets of all ministers should be probed and the surplus confiscated. This will be a deterrent to scams, muddles, bribes etc.

Umed Singh Gulia, Gohana

Long battle ahead: It seems that scams and scandals have become a way of life in our country. The scamsters have often taken the country for a ride.

There is nothing wrong with the system. No system can succeed unless corruption is rooted out. The malaise of corruption is so deep-rooted that perhaps only God can help this country.

To bring about economic emancipation, the nation will have to fight a long battle against corruption which flows down from above.

The power of the ballot comes to the rescue of corrupt politicians and bureaucrats. Political power infuses new life-blood in economic offenders. Once they enter the corridors of power, all their sins are washed away. Victory in an election should not become a legal sanction for corruption.

Iqbal Singh, Bijhari (Hamirpur)

Two sets of rules: It is a matter of grave concern that there is no accountability and transparency in governance. Every deal or decision, in the final analysis, tends to be a matter of manipulation. The most shocking aspect is that big guns are involved in it and no strong action is taken. We all know the result of previous scams. None has been declared guilty.

It is our duty to ensure that two sets of rules — one for poor and the other for the rich and the famous — are not followed. The law should be allowed to take its course.