I have been reading many posts and hearing people on TV expressing their reservation about this movement, about credibility of Anna and his team, about us being the reason for corruption, about undermining Parliamentary democracy, about Jan Lokpal Bill having its own loopholes, about the bill not being the panacea for all evils. Of course, each one of these has its own merits. So, what should we do? Nothing? Don’t support the movement, sit cynically and pray that each one of us sees sense and starts the transformation within. Wonderful, yeah that is going to happen :).
Yes, Jan Lokpal bill might have its own flaws, and I participated in the referendum they held here. I do feel that all Class Officers and MPs must be included under the purview of Lokpal because those are the officers we have to interact with and those that ask for bribe shamelessly. I know because I got my Passport renewed in 6 months after 2 RTI applications without paying a bribe but the police officers made my life miserable. They just would not move my file, not because my documents are faulty but because I am not giving them what they want. If there was no RTI, where would I have gone? I am sure at the time of RTI movement too there must have been serious concerns about its effectiveness. We say that many of us bribe as the easy way out. True because the bribe takers make your life miserable especially when it comes to Municipal Corporations or RTOs or Registration and Stamps Authority. I had to get my khata from BBMP and again was openly harassed and asked for bribe. Yes, the road for getting documents is strewn with thorns if you don’t pay bribe. I have both these cases documented on my blog. So, what do you say? Even if I don’t want to bribe where should I go? Wait for the thick-skinned bribe taker to have a change of heart? It will never happen. Thus, we need a body where I can complain and can be guaranteed time-bound action. Think of those poor people who can’t even afford to bribe. Are they doomed to suffer indefinitely to get what is their right?
Yes, our attitude as individuals needs a change too. But have you seen how these same Indians follow all rules, drive carefully, politely stand in queues, cough out money to cops for traffic violations with a smile when abroad because order is the norm and rules are strict. I am sure that with strict legislation, a beginning will be made that will convince the people to value honesty and the corrupt to fear some punitive action. I don’t buy the argument that most of us are corrupt. On the contrary, we are sick of the all-pervasive corruption and that is why students, educated people, office goers, elderly are all supporting this movement. People are taking leaves from offices, children are missing school — at least don’t belittle their conviction. We are fed up of corruption, and we want to do something about it. The time for inaction and empty talk is long gone. Do something, vote, don’t accept or give bribe but do something. If not now, when; If not you, who?
Personally, for the first time in a long long time, I have hope. I have a lot more to write, but I will leave it to your judgment to do what is right but do something at your own level.
I want to end with these inspirational lines:
Rachna says 
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