Role of Citizens in fighting Corruption

Draft National Anti-corruption Strategy (NACS) is based on citizens’ active participation. It states that success in the battle against corruption hinges upon citizen participation in ushering in transparency and accountability. Citizens have a tremendous potential to participate directly and contribute at bringing about change using tools, such as:

a) moral appeals,
b) exposure and embarrassment,
c) appeals to pride,
d) standing up and playing a key role in exposing wrong doing and non compliances.

All citizens of India should consider themselves under obligation to immediately report all corrupt practices being perpetrated, to actively take part in preventative measures against corruption, and raising awareness on corruption. To discharge this obligation they can use websites, blogs and by use RTI Act to get information about corruption and pass on to concerned authorities.

I know that, in amny organizations, above four tools are not proved very effective. Organized corruption in these organizations has become so deep rooted that people involved in corruption are not much bothered by moral appeals, exposure, embarassment and appeals to pride. Exposing wrong doing and non compliances also do not made much effect as corruption is being shielded by top management and investigating-prosecuting agencies.

It is a continued war against organized corruption. The day a small dent is made in the shield, the entire organized corruption apparatus will come down tumbling. In some organizations, small cracks have been made which, with time, will become more and more visible, and then the war will be won. Let us keep fighting corruption. That day will sure come.