Rooting out corruption

This refers to ‘Corruption cannot just be legislated away’ (October 10). It is an interesting and informative article on the virus affecting government services. And, any effort, however strenuous, does not seem to succeed in rooting out the malady. It is necessary that both the Central and State governments conduct studies on major incidents of corruption and judge whether the existing methods in tackling the menace have been successful. One issue is about publicising the names of the offenders with details of their status and their operational attempts. Also, surveillance on the functioning of their official activities and private acquaintances are steps requiring study.

Coimbatore

The author has stated that in the long run, economic development remains India’s best bet to root out corruption. But economic development may be several decades away. With increasing awareness and rapidly rising political activism, the nation cannot afford to wait that long for rooting out corruption. In addition to legislation, we must have an efficient and fair tax collection and implementation system. Taxation rates should be low but cover a wide base and be applied without any discrimination. An honest tax administration can go a long way in curbing corruption.

Jaipur

This refers to ‘India’s# MeToo’ (October 10). What started with Tanushree Dutta’s allegations against Nana Patekar, the revelations have now reached altogether different proportions, with people from the entertainment industry, media and politicians being accused of varying degrees of sexual harassment in the last fortnight or so. What it clear is that not only in rural India but even in metros women don’t report such cases out of social stigma or fear, which is indeed unfortunate to say the least.

Since the allegations are coming from across the spectrum, it is clearly a worrisome sign and testimony to the fact that women from every section of society are being harassed. It’s time men lived up to the meaning of equality and ensure that all women are treated with utmost dignity. Strict action against all guilty men would surely act as a deterrent. The corporate world also needs to do its bit by creating a congenial environment for women employees and encourage them to report any case of sexual harassment to the management without any delay.

Noida

This refers to ‘The truth about inequality in India’ (October 10). It’s ironical that economic inequality in India is widening at a time the Indian economy is growing. If inequality has indeed increased, as claimed by some survey reports, then the system meant to take the fruits of economic growth to the downtrodden has failed to deliver the results. India, despite having recourse to information from the NSSO, Income Tax Department and various other government departments and having a hierarchical administrative structure right up to the village panchayat level, has so far not tried to compile a reliable database pertaining to the economic conditions (income and wealth) of the people. To know the success of any government policy, it is imperative to measure to what extent the policy has delivered on its intended goals, for which the data need to be gathered from reliable sources without any bias, distortion and error.

Cuddalore, TN

The report by the UN’s IPCC should galvanise the international community into getting its act together and limiting global warming to 1.5 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels at the least. Evidently, the accumulation of emissions at the current rate does not portend well for the planet. Extreme weather events attest to the phenomenon of climate change. It is time we reduced coal-fired power consumption, put greater reliance on renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar power, opted for sustainable land management and brought about changes in modes of transport and food habits.

Maruthancode, TN

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