“Time to look at the bribe-givers” ( Business Line , October 10) is an eye-opener. Countries such as Singapore and the UAE which obtained independence much later than India are effectively running their governments without corruption mainly because of regulation to exercise strong, deterrent, and timely legal action against offenders.

In India, the punishment meted out to criminals is inadequate. The people are afraid of raising their voices against anti-social elements. The establishment of special courts for speedy justice will be a positive step.

Srinivasa Rajagopalan

Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli

Blow to common man

In almost every sphere of life the common man has to seek the help of a ‘service-provider’ to get things done and for this he has to pay a bribe. Higher-ups taking bribes doesn’t affect him. So if bribe-giving is made an offence, the common man will be affected. Bribe-giving and taking at high levels are carried out astutely and are often difficult to detect. There is thus need for a regular trained band of whistle-blowers to detect acts of corruption. The whole subject needs to be studied comprehensively.

T. R. Anandan

Coimbatore

NOTA good idea

The NOTA concept is unlikely to ensure the election of the right candidates. It’s a remote chance that votes polled in favour of NOTA will exceed the votes polled for candidates. If it does so happen, there will be trouble because it calls for the replacement of candidates and conduct of fresh elections. Only good governance, war on corruption and poverty, a people-friendly administration, and the stabilisation of prices of essential commodities and services can lure voters to the polling booth.

K. V. Seetharamaiah

Hassan, Karnataka

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