While there are tools such as the Right to Information Act, 2005, to expose corrupt politicians and bureaucrats, the corruption that affects the common man is the most painful.
While there are tools such as the Right to Information Act, 2005, to expose corrupt politicians and bureaucrats, the corruption that affects the common man is the most painful. However, this problem can be addressed by using innovative methods such as introducing a ‘corruption hotline’, said member of parliament, Shashi Tharoor.
The former minister and UN diplomat was speaking at a special session on his book, The Elephant, the Tiger and the Cellphone, which was published in 2007. The event was organised by the book club of the Business Development Bureau (BDB).
“We have a free press. Newspapers can set up a corruption hotline, where the common man can call and complain about corrupt practices faced by them. Even 10 such honest news reports will be enough to bring about a change in behaviour. Shame is still an important element of our culture and we should use it often,” he said.
Citing examples from the private sector, Tharoor said that there are several successful companies that have managed to stay away from corruption, but have still grown.
“The fact that we (India) have managed to grow and develop despite corruption is a miracle,” said Tharoor while quoting from his book.
“What is most painful is that corruption actually affects those who are helpless like a widow who can’t get her husband’s papers cleared without bribing the peon. We will have to address corruption at its root and not just at the 2G level,” he said.
Tharoor, who was accompanied by wife Sunanda, had a freewheeling interactive session with members of the BDB book club at the MITCON Institute of Management, Balewadi.
Tharoor, a former bureaucrat and an author, who decided to plunge into politics, said that the middle class’ disdain for politics could only be changed if there was more involvement on their part.
“It is a paradox because in the US, everything related to polls and campaigning is handled by the middle class. They are the ones who come out and vote. In India, politicians are expected to be sleazy and corrupt. Unless we have more involvement from the middle class, things will not change,” he said.
Speaking of his own tumultuous experiences in politics over the last two years, Tharoor said that several publishers have requested him to pen his memoirs.
“However, it is too early to contemplate or reflect on these happenings. I’d rather wait for a better end to the story,” he remarked.
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