The Hindu : New Delhi News : Need for an awakened society Law & order

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Need for an awakened society Law & order

Lack of transparency is an important factor for the unbridled growth of touts and the culture of bribery, says Ashok Kumar

Carrying out investigations into a major scam in issuance of permanent driving licences that rocked the Capital earlier this year, the Anti-Corruption Branch sleuths recently stumbled upon irregularities in renewal of heavy commercial licences as well at the same transport authority.

Though the ACB sleuths have come across only 28 cases so far, the officers suspect that more skeletons could tumble out of the closet as investigations progress and the role of some government officials could also come under the scanner.

A fake driving licence not just puts innocent lives on the road in danger, but could have far-reaching implications in the form of a widely accepted proof of identity. It can be misused to procure bank loan, cell phone connection, participate in any kind of business activity and generate multiple identity documents. Threat looms larger in view of escalating terrorist activities.

“Lack of transparency is perhaps one of the most important factors for the unbridled growth of touts and the culture of bribery in the transport authorities across the country. The common man has little knowledge about the process and finds it complicated. A major chunk of those seeking driving licences are illiterate or poorly educated and thus fall prey to touts. The system thus needs be simplified and made more transparent,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Anti-Corruption Branch) I.D. Shukla, involved in the investigations of the above-mentioned cases.

The transport sector provides a plethora of job opportunities and one does not need any special qualification either. If you possess a driving licence you can easily earn your livelihood in any part of the country. Also, it is one such document that everyone needs to procure and the consequent rush at transport authorities. The mismatch between the demand and supply again goes in favour of unscrupulous elements in the transport authorities.

“An awakened society can help to curb such dishonest practices, but people do not come forward to report it. Everyone knows about the widespread corruption, but no one wants to get involved in legal tangle and go around the courts. Also, there is a lack of pressure groups in society. We have the example of Right to Information Act which could be enacted because of the pressure exerted by the media and non-government organisations on the government. There is a need for a group of educated people to take up the issue of corruption in transport authorities and build pressure for a solution,” said Mr. Shukla.

The law enforcing agencies should be equipped with the latest technology and have adequate infrastructure to mount surveillance on corrupt elements in the authorities. Whether it is police or anti-corruption branch or vigilance department, it should have adequate staff and wherewithal to deal with increasing use of technology by unscrupulous elements.

“The Motor Vehicle Act provisions are more than enough to tackle prevailing corruption in the transport authorities and the officers are well versed with the rules and regulations. So corruption is more to be blamed on the officer at the helm of affairs than anything else. I think we need officers who are morally upright,” said Mr. Shukla.

Last but not the least, the transport authorities need to come up with ideas like e-ticketing in the railways to ease the growing rush and for curbing corruption.

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