Scams and Development

Scams and Development

By Dr Arvind Kumar

Every other day a new scam is unveiled and the nation is held to ransom by political parties to capitalize on the issue. The nation had hardly recovered from the shock of CWG scam when 2-G Scam added salt to the wound and now we have S-Band scam. We may not earn the appelation of being economic superpower, we are sure to earn the notoriety of being the most corrupt nation on earth. Vested political interests and lenient laws provide incentives to the powers that be to play with public money and syphon off amount allocated for development. The poor nurture hopes of receiving some sops to alleviate the burden of poverty haunting them for generations, however, their dreams end in smoke when it unfolds that the development fund meant for uplift of the poor has been highjacked by already rich lobby.

Coruption has seemingly become a ‘way of life’ for many and it has deepened its roots in almost all walks of life. There is dire need of revising existing laws according to the new developments and penal action should be severe. Those found guilty of commiting economic offences should be treated as criminals. There is need for revamping of administrative system to make it more transparent and acountable. The dilemma is as to who will bell the cat in view of the fact that almost entire system is paralyzed by corruption. There is no magic wand to do away with corruption overnight. A protracted and well-concerted strategy is called for to make people aware about their rights and duties vis-à-vis corruption. Only vigilant public opinion can nip this evil in the bud.