Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

On corruption

This refers to President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's recommendation of the Hong Kong model to root out corruption — the malady that has "permeated all walks of life and does not seem to abate as years go by" (Nov. 17). We need a leader to launch a movement to sensitise the people on fundamental issues and raise their moral standards to wage a relentless war against evils like corruption. After his present tenure ends, Mr. Kalam should seriously consider doing it. Teaching can wait; rooting out corruption is more important from the common man's point of view.

B. Hanumantha Rao,
Hyderabad

* * *

The lure of easy money and the manner in which the corrupt flaunt their wealth tempt more and more to resort to corruption. Elections are fought not on the basis of ideologies but of money power. Lack of transparency and accountability in politics, government, and business encourages corruption to thrive. Like the President, if Parliament too becomes serious about rooting out corruption, simple and sure ways can easily be evolved and implemented.

Kris Dev,
Chennai

* * *

It is unfortunate that the head of state has to draw our attention to the "dreadful malady." Display boards in government offices asking people to inform the higher-ups in the event of any demand for gratification are common. Perhaps if the officials at the highest level interact personally with the people on such matters, they will overcome their inhibitions and be more forthcoming. It is also time a chapter on the malaise was included in the school curriculum.

K. Vaidyanathan,
Hyderabad

* * *

It is amusing for a normal citizen to read speeches on evolving a corruption-free India by our President and Prime Minister. From their exalted position, it is easy for them to dream of an India where there is no corruption.

For the common man, corruption is a day-to-day affair. For anyone travelling on a two-wheeler, the sight of traffic policemen stopping vehicles is common. Also common is the sight of people fishing out a few currency notes, and the police carrying them away in a polythene paper. This is not to say that we should stop dreaming.

A. Ananthakrishnan,
Chennai

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