democracy at its worst. Wonderful is it not? First some facts: Corruption is a serious issue (instances are mindboggling, so is the low level of prosecution), Black money is a reality, billions are stashed abroad and much more must be within the country. There is no point in questioning the exact number, it is substantial and that cannot be denied. What is also true is that laws have been ineffective.
Despite all these hard facts subsequent governments have done precious little (one must add RTI has been a great step, i read Whislteblower bill is on the way). It seems corruption is not a concern, rightly so since it almost always favours the powerful. Corruption hits common people quite badly. So it is expected that there be a response and galvanise government into action. However unrepresentative ‘civil society’ may be and members wanting as also they may not have any ‘constitutional authority’ but people like Anna Hazare (and Baba Ramdev-whatever lacuna he has) do have substantial backing of people, and yes majority of people who may not come out to protest do want something significant to be done about corruption. The results of elections in Tamil Nadu is one of the ways people respond, but to carry this on without taking any action or systemic changes against corruption is akin to cheating people. Experience tells us same people do come back. Democracy is not solely about electing one’s representative, it is about being responsible representatives. The system doesn’t seem to be working that way, it has got reduced to winning and losing election, the interim that is referred to as governance is getting reduced to making money and influence. The growing nexus between corporate-government-market media is a source of serious concern.
The so called ‘civil society’ however well intentioned has absolutely no right to arm twist the government. They can at the best be pressure groups. And they have done a remarkable job of pressurising the government into framing the Lokpal, that was kept pending for so many years. It is now the discretion of the elected government to take what input it find necessary and present it to the parliament. During this process ‘civil society’ can express its displeasure, if any, by going for protest or hunger strike (which is the most peaceful and effective way of protest). All conducted within the law of the land.
It is unfortunate and regrettable the way Union Government has conducted itself in the past few months. It seems to be reduced to bunch of fixers, who are seen conniving. What is the problem here? Is handling Anna Hazare or Baba Ramdev or the issue they raise that challenging? Frankly is there any need for challenging or posturing? Why can’t they be frank and truthful? Why do they get reduced to placating and then calling names? Is this how the Party that people of the country of billion elected behave? I think too many manipulative people have got into the leadership position. They don’t see solutions they see opportunism. I am shocked
I must point to one person named Digvijay Singh, is this what Congress party all about? The man even went to the extent of kicking the shoe wielding ‘journalist’, even after the fellow was apprehended. He later mentions that he is foot soldier and has fought in the street. Yes truly Gandhian, so who is the goon who is the thug? (not that Baba Ramdev has done any better, but i am more inclined to the issues).
And yes i would like to see the promise made by the government on mother tongue texts and curriculum particularly for MBBS, activated at the earliest. The shortage of doctors in villages is shocking to say the least. Why haven’t they realised this six decades back or is it that like some buffoons who think ‘English is merit’ they allowed millions of people to suffer and die due to lack of medical care. Indeed India’s record on these matters is abysmal. If only mother tongue medium medical colleges were functioning things wouldn’t have been this bad. Look at the shocking statistics of MMR, U5MR, malnutrition...condition of PHCs. Are Rozgar yojanas meant only to make roads? And why public health centres less important than roads?
