points for articles (2)

Lokpal Bill- Points

Escalating corruption

 Until 1980s Bofors was the biggest scam, involving Rs.64 crore- Ever since 26 big scams caused great losses to the exchequer. However, 2G scam is alarming- according to CAG an alleged one lac and 72,000 crores have been misappropriated. CWG scam brought shame to the nation.

Reason-Politics encourages such corruption + effective institutions that can justly investigate and prosecute the culprits are lacking. CVC and CBI seem toothless as they are manipulated by government; therefore there is need for an effective Lokpal Bill – system of ombudsman, effective in many countries.

Result - Ground swell of protest by outraged public under Anna Hazare -Feel cheated by corrupt governance -seek clean leadership, transparency and accountability

 Demand for passing of Jan Lokpal Bill to fight corruption by creating an institution independent of those it seeks to police, with power to investigate all public servants, even the highest posts. The Bill is struggling due to stand-off between its proponents and government.

The apprehension - whether it will create another concentration of power, impair the autonomy of both judiciary and legislature and create a super cop with enormous power and no accountability.  Who will watch the watchdog? Also, a check on monetary corruption alone  is inadequate.

Suggestions:  No quick solutions. Citizens must keep alive their faith that truth will prevail- be aware and protest but with responsibility, curb their own greed and respect the constitution, principles of democracy and justice. The youth must show idealism and selflessness. The strength is not in framed laws but in effective implementation of them. The success of Lokpal system will depend on that.

Giving Girl Child Her Due (points)

The story of girl child in India both frustrating and progressive

The skewed gender ratio, female foeticide, neglect and abuse of the girl child in India have put the nation to shame. Bias loaded against girls in a patriarchal society has kept them deprived and neglected. 

Strong bias –future uncertain- some 10 million female fetuses have been terminated over past 20 years. Despite claims by law enforcement and din of gender equality- thousands of female infants dumped in trash cans. 30 % girls out of school at primary level and only 3 out of 10 in standard 1 reach class X. They are kept at home to do chores, take care of siblings and treated as a burden to be shifted out in marriage. They are cursed, assaulted and trafficked.

Education:  alone can lift them out of misery and establish their worth. In cities it is heartening to see girls outperform boys in exams. Given opportunity, education, love and encouragement, girls have proved their worth and risen in all spheres. One example:  Intervention by a corporate company, who set up good schools, saw rural girls top the merit list in Chattisgarh . Many initiatives like ’Prerna’ , a school for Dalit girls in Danapur have brought light into their lives.

Social intervention like the revolutionary move in Satara Maharashtra by the district administration has brought hope into the lives of over 200 girls who had been named Nakhushi / Nakusha by their parents who saw girls as a curse. Nakushi Londhe is now Bhagyashree.

High priority GOI measures: RTE is bringing the girl child to school- Sarva Siksha Abhiyan-eduationfor all seeks change in societal norms and attitudes. ‘ Ladli’ schemes have provide incentive ad status. Free education and waivers, free books, separate toilets, meals, bridge courses for drop outs etc. are measures to retain them in schools. Scholarships as rewards for higher studies aim to empower them.

We, the educated, can be the medium of change by eradicating bias against girls through awareness campaigns. They are children to be loved, not a millstone of dowry and dependency round parents’ necks.