We all must have heard by now that there is someone by the name Anna Hazare who is there on indefinite hunger strike against corruption. Most of us would be thinking that whatever we may do, its impossible to stop corruption. Hold on, let me tell you that this news had been distorted by Media and, yes he had been on hunger strike to fight against corruption, but his present step is in the form of getting "Jan Lokpal Bill" passed which has been stucked for approximately 4 decades.
Now many techies and educated people has joined this movement in their own way who also happen to be Tax payers. Remember, this is not the crowd which assembles for 2 times meal and wine which most of the politicians gather by trowing money.
Now what is Jan Lokpal Bill
Jan Lokpal Bill (Citizen's ombudsman Bill) is a draft anti-corruption bill that would pave the way for a Jan Lokpal, an independent body like the Election Commission, which would have the power to prosecute politicians and bureaucrats without government permission. The bill has been drafted by Shanti Bhushan, former IPS Kiran Bedi, Justice N. Santosh Hegde, renowned advocate Prashant Bhushan, former chief election commissioner J. M. Lyngdoh in consultation with the leaders of the India Against Corruption movement and the civil society. The bill proposes institution of the office of Lokpal (Ombudsman) at center and Lok Ayukta at state level. Jan Lokpal Bill is designed to create an effective anti-corruption and grievance redressal systems at centre and to assure that effective deterrent is created against corruption and to provide effective protection to whistleblowers.
How will it Empower us
Weall know about RTI(Right to Information) act which has truly empowered us to question any government body/department/officer. Although I still dont belive that it has curbed the corruption but yes, it is a tool which has helped us to to question someone in governement, for which he has to answer, come what may that too in written.
Let's not forget that 2G scam which has come into limelight and and Ex Telecom Minister Mr A Raja is behind bars is just because someone filed an RTI by an activist Mr Subhash Chandra Agarwal.
No doubt that Jan Lokpal Bill which calls for the merger of all existing anti-corruption bodies like the CVC, departmental vigilance and anti-corruption branch of the CBI into the Lokpal which would be an independent body, will have complete powers to initiate investigations suo motu in any case. It will be able to register FIRs, proceed with criminal investigation and prosecute any officer, judge or politician.
What we should Do
- Join the hunger strike or
- Most of us are reareally busy and hence it will not be feasible to do so, let's raise our voice through Social Networking websites like Facebook, Twitter etc.
Never underestimate the power of social networking, it has turnaround Egypt, Tunisia and many more countries which was into the hands of dictators. We are still a democratic country where noone can challenge your Fundamental rights like Freedom of speech and vote.
Remember we are the educated lot and even majority of us are taxpayers, but the issue is that we never vote simply because we don't have time. Politicians have these data and hence they are never concerned about us and always ignore us. Yes its true that we cannot join the demonstration but we can support it by many means.
Chain se sona hai toh Jaago.
