I am amused to read the letters in the newspapers by some readers asking the government to do this or that. The fact is that politicians do not read these letters and the proof is that we don’t see any action on the issues that are raised. Therefore, it is necessary that citizens take up these issues in a planned manner, so as to be effective in bringing about change. Here are some ideas. If the prime minister cannot stop corruption, we must stop paying taxes so that politicians do not get to play around with our money.
Most political party leaders claim that Parliament is above the Supreme Court, this, when some of our elected representatives are working against the interests of the people and now the court has given the people some hope. We the people should constitute an empowered group of citizens (EGoC) that can keep a watch on erring politicians and bureaucrats. Also, to express our disgust at the way things are going on, we could consider boycotting the elections. These proposals might appear a bit strange, but these are some of the options that remain to check the rot in the system. If others have some ideas let’s share them with each. I request dna to take the initiative to set up such a platform that can focus on reforming the system from the roots.
(via email)
Now is the time to stop the slide into anarchy
At a time when we are seeing the administration in the country drift dangerously after a series of scams and the courts have been the only real hope, the cabals are coming down heavily on the few upright people still on the job within the state apparatus. A politician from the ruling party in Uttar Pradesh, said to be involved in criminal cases, boasts of getting an honest officer suspended within a few minutes just because she did her duty.
Ditto in Rajasthan, where an IPS officer has been transferred after reopening cases against the father of a Congress MLA. These are further indications of the direction in which the country is headed. At this rate we could slide into anarchy, where politicians with criminal records claim sole proprietorship of the country. That would mean virtually no authoritative governance, simply the rule of, by and for the criminals only. It is time to stop the rot. The media must focus on restoring ethical governance, instead of wasting newsprint or telecast time on anti-Modi propaganda and other not-so-important matters.
—VS Ganeshan, Bangalore
Protect RTI applicants
With reference to the matter of bringing political parties under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, it is my belief that this will not serve the declared purpose. Second, the RTI is not as accessible a framework as it has been made out to be. In fact, the aam aadmi would require the assistance of an expert even to make a basic application. When government servants are not spared by goons, who will protect those individuals seeking information from retaliation by vested interests? There must be strict safeguards for people seeking information – be it of political parties too – otherwise, very few will come forward to bell the cat.
— MR Pai, Mumbai
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