I met a senior bureaucrat today, and asked him, if
all that is appearing in media about corruption in high places is
credible or concocted, and this particularly in reference to the Coalgate
scandal. The reason is simple, media sometimes relies on arm-chair journalism
and not investigative journalism, and of course it is not incorruptible also.
But this bureaucrat in quite a matter of fact-like
manner ascribed complete credibility to media reports. In fact I was quite
amused by his monotonic admission of crony capitalism and corruption in high
places.
Today, the situation is so bad, the honest cower
at home and corrupt roam around with impunity stemming from none less than smug
contempt for the rule of law. An in-corruptible bureaucrat like Khemka had
tears in his eyes as he prayed for the safety of his family.
In the age of Monarchies, the King would often
roam in disguise to understand the problems of the subjects, and also what the
hoi-polloi thought of his rule. This was the kings’ way of respecting public
opinion. Though he ruled by virtue of divine right, yet benevolent despots did
not disregard public opinion.
Today, modern politicians have their own way of
manipulating public opinion. What else could explain the impunity with which
they perpetuate their maverick ways?
The latest 2G auction has been a damp squib, and
all the spokespersons of the Congress party that faced flak for the initial
allocations went in overdrive mode to take a dig at the CAG’s assessment of the
notional loss to the exchequer. Miffed and mauled by the disclosures of such
devastating dimensions, this face saving is the best strategy that a decadent
Congress could have resorted to.
I only hope, a veteran like Vinod Rai will
continue the good work that he has embarked upon unabated. His tenure would go
down in history as one of fearless discharge of his duty regardless of the
injury that it may have caused to his political masters. I am sure if he would
comprise somewhat or deviate from his principles, he can certainly be assured
of a good Gubernatorial assignment post retirement.
I have never been able understand why the Indian
bureaucrat is so weak in the knee when it comes to taking on the political
masters, despite the steel frame in which he is cast, precisely to protect him
from political witch hunt and shenanigans.
A cursory reading of the preamble of the constitution
of USA tells us how insipid it is. If you would read the bill of rights, it
also tells you how backward the original settlers were. Blacks were denied
franchise - could not caste vote - till 1879 amendment. Even then there were
several states which did not ratify this amendment guaranteeing blacks the
right to vote, including the state of NY which ratified this amendment only in
1970.
Women could not vote till 1919, and many states of
USA resisted ratification of this amendment also till many years later. But
though the US constitution may have been weak in the letter, the in-de -fatigable
spirit of the Americans that held us upheld the sense and sentiment tall and
sterling.
In India on the other hand, the constitution is a
beautifully drafted document, a piece of fine artwork, meticulously and
studiously compiled and it stands tall in the letter but weak in spirit, the
latter often supplicating to the whims of people in power, in stark disregard
to the power of the people.
Whereas some of the above may be generally true,
this country yet does not cease to produce Hazares, Khemkas and Kejriwals in
surprising numbers also. What a contradiction?
