And for a Friday after the UNCAC mandated International Anti Corruption Day, some thoughts.…. some musings…..
In most poor and under developed countries, if there is one root cause problem keeping its citizens below poverty, it’s CORRUPTION. Since December 2005, the world has adopted SDG goal 16 for targeting to reduce bribery in all its forms, strengthen Institutions and help citizens access information easily and transparently. Sounds so simple and straightforward, but how impossible on the ground. Hence, 9th December is mandated worldwide as I.A.C.D. At SEEGOS, our volunteers are attempting some white spots on to the canvas in India. Hoping one day the canvas will be all white. When?????
Corruption has many hues and colours. Coercive and Collaborative corruption. In collaborative corruption both the Giver and Taker are benefitted. This is what sleazy businessmen and the corrupt Babus do. Very difficult to trace. Innovative and unique techniques and strategies are always adopted. But it’s the Coercive corruption where the “Taker” is more powerful, has Authority and uses his power to intimidate the “Giver” who is almost always helpless. The mechanisms of reporting the crime, the Anti Corruption Bureau and their long winded bureaucratic procedures to show proof, bring witness etc. etc. leaves no choice for the victim. Added to this is the rationalisation that politicians in Indian democracy make, to fight elections. It’s a full circle.
It’s upto each one of us to be vigilant, particularly those in positions of Power. We must incorporate technology and Digitilisation to neutralise the capacity of the Corrupt. Let’s do this the smart way, the transparent way, the SEEGOS way.