What do we do for a better India?

Hi friends, we are back again. But, this time with a different agenda, and a different issue altogether. How do we make our India a better country to live in? What changes do we need to formulate so that our people get an enriched life?

Today, we will confine our discussions on changes in regard to socio-economic issues that would make our country a better one. While India is a country of plenty with adequate resources, both natural and human, we have difficulties in fulfilling the aspirations of our citizens. No one would probably deny that the country needs directional changes. Not that we lack the will or the inclination for reformation, there is an absence of consistent and constant endeavor to go for a change. Rebuilding a nation especially on socio-economic and administrative platforms needs sincere efforts both by the Government and the society at large. It is certainly not the task of the Government alone.

There are multiple areas that need special attention for bringing about social transformation and administrative reforms. While it may not be possible to enumerate or go for all of them in one go, we may nevertheless take up some of the major issues on a priority. The first and a very important step would be to bring in greater public accountability and higher level of transparency for a corruption-free society. The Right to Information Act is a step in right direction that could prove effective against many of our ills, more specifically the lethargic approach, corruption and nepotism in administration. It has unfortunately made marginal impact on account of factors like general ignorance, lack of awareness and poor publicity. This area needs to be geared up through periodical advertisements, personal contacts and other means for better effectiveness. A ‘zero tolerance’ attitude against corruption has to be cultivated in the country. Legislation alone has done little in eradicating the menace, and so a mass movement is the need of the hour for identifying corruption-prone areas, and exposing those – officials and politicians - indulging in corrupt practices. Those suspected to be involved in corruption should quietly be shifted to non-critical areas and watched over a period of time. A greater degree of transparency in work-culture will surely put a brake to this malady.

The Consumer Rights movements have not picked up fast enough. Despite several legislations against misleading and grossly inflated claims on consumer products, there is still a flourishing market of fake and substandard items of all hues. The number of Consumer Courts has to be increased, and the consumers should be educated to bring up cases of infringement of their rights on their own without having to go through the tedious process of hiring a lawyer.

The need of the hour is to have a responsive administration. The Police have to work with two faces – they need to be harsh to criminals while helpful and friendly to a law-abiding ordinary citizen. A people-friendly police officer may also be assigned the role of a public relations officer at each Police Station. Police public coordination committees may also be considered on a permanent footing. A high-handed Police force may not be well-equipped to deal with the present-day law and order situation, while a friendly, even-handed and intelligent officer may do miracles. The Police should be trained to have an accommodating attitude, especially in regard to the poor and the down-trodden, and remain unbiased and objective in its dealings with the public. The force should necessarily be free from interferences from politicians, high and mighty.

The criminal justice system needs to be more responsive and rationale. The maxim of ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ looks all the more meaningful in the backdrop of hardened criminals getting bails easily while those with minor offenses staying behind bars as under-trials for years. Justice should not only be done, but should also seem to be done.

Last but not the least, the country should have adequate legislation to put a total ban on divisive politics, hate speeches and moral policing. Those indulging in these activities need to be strictly dealt with. Nationalism and love for the country cannot be a monopoly for only one section of the populace. Whether it is terrorism or communal flare-up, the administration has to be swift in taking strict action notwithstanding the stature of the persons involved.

These are some of the thoughts in regard to enriching the lives of our people. What more do we need to do? Our readers are invited to offer their views and comments, so that the forum could be useful and rewarding.

Jai Hind.

Editor
www.Jantaraj.com