Discretionary powers and quota of elected leaders must go. It breeds and spreads corruption among all. Why should anyone need to approach a minister or MLA or MP for any favour? They must not have power to grant any favour to anybody. Need to have such a system in place. Time has come for the system reforms. Reforms mean fundamental, purposeful, sustainable and positive changes in the system. Everybody, no matter how big or small, plays a fair game, governed by the rule of the law. Politics will stop to be a sought-after lucrative business. It should not attract corrupt people, because they will have no discretionary power (like licensing 2G spectrum or coal mines). Elected leaders and politicians main job is to make policies and laws, in consultation with people, that reflect needs and aspirations of masses.
Now the question is how to put such a system in place? That should be the real issue of debate, research and reflections. There is a lot to learn from other countries who have performed much better on the front of corruption, the burning issue faced by India today. Countries of East Asia, Scandinavia, Western Europe and North America are better placed than us. Systems and mechanisms for enhanced transparency and accountability, in all spheres of governance, are the key. Economic reforms are much needed, but without simultaneous judicial, police, electoral and administrative reforms it will not have the desired impact of reducing corruption, poverty and inequality. A strong Lokpal (ombudsman) structure across the country is, of course, the most integral part of such a system. It becomes urgent when the economy and resources are opened-up. Without it, the wealth will not trickle down against the laws of ruthless capitalism.
Who will put such a system in place? We, the people of India, through our representatives in assemblies and parliament. But if we don't demand it, obviously they are not going to do it. If we remain silent to their inefficiency, unaccountability and corruption, this Banana Republic is not going to change. We can not wait till we ourselves and our children are affected individually by this cronyism. We can not continue to live in our own little islands of comfort when the whole ship sinks and stinks. We have to come-out and support the right people, for the right causes. And that is not a charity. That is our responsibilities as citizens. That is our real investment in our own future and our children's future.
