Corruption can be eliminated

Corruption eats nation to death.  Read how.

Everyone agrees that corruption is the biggest problem in India today. It is damaging our country in a big way. There is too much noise on this but unfortunately real efforts in a systematic way to get rid of this monster is lacking. On top of it lack of clarity and lack of action is leading to erosion of trust & faith on government institutions. This is very dangerous for the country. We are already in a bad shape due to poverty, rising inflation, crimes, communalism, terrorism etc. Such lack of faith and rising frustration will prove devastating. We must immediately work on this to avoid any further damage to the country. Government must take immediate steps to restore people's faith and eliminate corruption. There are possible solutions which can help in achieving corruption free India.

The basic cause of corruption is greed and out of proportion importance given to money. To become corruption free we must develop corruption free attitude and moral system. We must rediscover the richness of humanity.

Corruption can be fought in three basic ways.

1. At individual level

We must all get committed to honesty and integrity. Say no to corruption. Avoid shortcuts to get work done. Develop a sense of self respect. Do not let greed over power you. An honest person is always richer than dishonest irrespective of bank accounts. Remember corruption is a crime against your own self, your family, your religion, your society, humanity and your country. If we all decide and become honest, can there remain any corruption in society. Respect honest people around you and disregard those who are dishonest.

2. At community level

There must be a federation against corruption. This must have representatives in each and every part of nation. When ever some who is fighting against corruption like RTI activist is harassed, this federation must take up the issue for further action. This will make fight against corruption more effective and also save such fighters against harassment. Secondly there must be spread of awareness why corruption is bad and harmful for everyone. It is like penny wise pound foolish. When people succumb to corruption, they get some money but also get a very horrible society. Everyone must be made aware how corruption makes everyone's life miserable like slow poison.

Federation Against Corruption can help those fighting against corruption, RTI activist and nation by:

- Provide moral support
- Provide legal support
- Take up matter in case of non action
- Get things done in correct order
- Set system in right order
- Save activist from harassment and any assault
- In case of harassment or elimination of such fighters, this federation must take up the matter for further action.

If this is done then those indulging in corruption and threaten such fighters that any attempt to stop such fighters by use of force and fear will only backfire. This will help nation with two clear benefits:   1. Fighters will be protected against harassment and violence.   2. Fight against corruption will get more organized and effective. 

3. At national level

Following should be done
- Recognize corruption as serious offence. For small offence an opportunity must be given to plead guilty and reform after corrective action. For repeat and serious offence there should be severe punishment including life term.
- Offences must be graded and punished accordingly. Grade one - Tax avoidance. Grade two - Corruption using power and position. Grade three - Corruption in matter of national interest and nation's resources.
- Strict laws against corruption of both government and citizens
- Fast track courts to fight corruption
- Independent commissions for Bureaucracy, Judiciary, Police, Lokpal, Information, CBI, CAG, CVC, ED, Election Commission etc.
- Complete transparency in both government and private sector. Everything including all files and records, recordings of all meetings etc must be stored as soft copy at various locations like respective office, CBI office, President House and National Information Commission.
- Comprehensive, free and powerful investigative agency covering each and every individual of the country.
- Target zero black money. Abolish higher currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000.
- Promote verifiable transactions like account payments with cheques, wire transfer and use of credit cards or debit cards.
- Create online databank of all real estate properties, lockers, shares, credit card, bank account etc to eliminate benami or black transactions. Every single property, locker, credit card, bank account and share must have PAN No associated, let people claim them through self disclosure. All unclaimed properties, lockers, shares, credit card, bank account must be frozen and finally confiscated and go to government.
- Any private business owner or professional or service provider with fake or no receipt must be penalized. 
- Mandatory cross check of audit of all companies.
- Declare black money kept abroad as national asset, bring it back in time bound manner and impose heavy action on people / organization / banks helping in such activity.
- Such acts of corruption where nations assets and resources are looted must be declared as crime against nation.

Correct information and transparency 

This is the key in fighting corruption.

- Time to have National Information Commission which should have complete and authentic information of every single activity.
- An independent international body or bodies must study different states and compare their development and other parameters like corruption, crimes, environment etc.
- This study can also be used to help faster development of states which are lagging behind.
- This study can help citizens of India to have authentic information about functioning of central and state governments.
- Media must use and cite this information from independent international body or bodies to avoid ambiguity and allegations of bias.

Media 
Media has the most important role to play. It can spread awareness and expose guilty. But before that it has to check itself. It must ensure:
- It keeps nation interest higher than self 
- It keeps itself free from corruption and has accountability and transparency
- It must declare owner, board members, investors and beneficiary annually 
- It is free from bias and gives equal opportunity to all
- It has maturity to conduct itself in wise and decent manner
- It promotes facts and do not promote opinions 


Role of citizens Corruption is the biggest evil for every nation. India too has suffered a lot. This is an important fight for nation building.  Since this is not one day task or one man task. We need to address the issue in more comprehensive and systematic manner:

- Let the government work. There should be no preconceived notion about reforms will occur or not.   
  Everyone must demand and support government in improving the system.
- It should not be person centric. Fight against corruption must be against system that breeds corruption.
- It should a collective and progressive fight against corruption.
- Awareness play a big role. People must be made aware how corruption harms everyone. People must be taught to rise above short term gain through corruption which in reality is no gain.
- Agitations against corruption can occur but must be without confrontation and must be done peacefully to create better awareness against corruption.


Fight against corruption is fight of every citizen who is loyal to nation. Let us all come together and work in realizing the dream of a great nation.


Let us all commit our self to richness of humanity, the true richness.