The most consistent critique of the Lokpal bill I’ve heard from many commentators, analysts and some bloggers is that corruption in India isn’t limited to the political class alone. It’s a deeply rooted malaise that’s caused by our attitude itself and that systemic changes need to be made to tackle corruption effectively. Because of this, they say the Lokpal is almost useless because a bill punishing the corrupt doesn’t address the root cause of corruption itself.
There is merit in this argument. But in my opinion, it misses the point of the Lokpal bill entirely. Contrary to perception, the bill is not about preventing corruption or stopping it. It’s about punishing those who actually do indulge in corruption. Punishment and not prevention – two different things.
We in India are used to corruption in our lives and that of our politicians. It makes our blood boil that we’re dragged into this net because if we don’t participate we’re left out and denied basic services. But what makes it worse is that it’s indulged in so blatantly without fear of consequences. That people at the top can brazenly siphon of lakhs of crores of rupees. It’s the lack of an effective justice system that people mind more than the actual act of corruption itself.
Take murder for example. There’s a law for punishing murder. Whether or not that law addresses the “root causes” of murder is irrelevant. A person may have many motivations for killing someone – money, love or whatever. But regardless of the cause, the act of murder itself is punishable. Let social activists try and “improve society” so that murder is reduced. Let the government introduce better education if it thinks it will help. These activities are separate and distinct from the actual punishment which is a necessity no matter what the underlying system is.
So the next time someone tells you that the Lokpal isn’t the cure for all of India’s corruption problems, tell them they’re right. It’s not meant to be. It’s meant to take care of one crucial part of the equation – that of punishing wrongdoers. Sure, we need better electoral systems to reduce the cause of corruption as well. But those measures have to be taken along with a proper punishment system. And if the punishment itself becomes a deterrent, then that’s icing on the cake. If it happens well and good. If not, that was never its purpose anyway.
Very true. It seems those who want to ridicule janlokpal movement is finding out strange reasons for it. It is an important step in strengthening our democracy and improving the quality of our life.
There’s almost complete agreement that we need a Lokpal. That’s not the critical point of disagreement with the Jan Lokpal Bill being foisted willy nilly.
In reply to Sangitha
I don’t think there’s complete agreement that we need a Lokpal. Look at Sanjeev’s response below – he feels that existing institutions are enough.
In reply to bhagwad
Almost complete.
Dear Bhagwad,
Let’s be clear – there were already MANY institutions to address the punishment part of the equation. As head of the anti-corruption machinery of Assam I can assure you that they did not work. There is little reason for me to believe that this will work.
Do keep hopes low. The day when people like you will get into the detailed analysis of India’s corruption, we can start working towards solutions. Till you remain at superficial levels, there is no hope for India – in relation to this matter.
Once again, to anyone SERIOUS (as opposed to the non-serious people pursuing LP as if it will have ANYTHING to do with reducing corruption), pl. check out: http://satyameva-jayate.org/2011/08/19/serious-about-corruption/
Non-serious people, please continue jumping about like zombies. That’s good for your lymphatic system.
S
In reply to Sanjeev Sabhlok
Sanjeev, when you say “did not work,” what are you referring to? That corruption did not stop or you were unable to punish the corrupt? If the former, that is not the purpose of punishment mechanisms or the lokpal. If the latter, then clearly the systems or institutions were not good enough!
In reply to Sanjeev Sabhlok
Agree with Sanjeev.. :) yes ‘good for your lymphatic system.’
Nice post
@sanjeev – How would you know if someone is not corrupt. Take his word? Like we anyway do with our politicians.
Lokpal would be to punish corrupt persons. Now if we want to reduce corruption you should we should encourage more transparency in our institutions. We as citizens should be able to check how our money is been used.
Made a good point
lovely read. an excellent argument to those who raise this problem. But from my interactions another big reason i see for people to not support the lokpal is also the belief that in our country corruption will seek into any and every organisation, lokpal being no different. fighting one system is bad enough, imagine the plight of people fighting two !