Keep the vampires out of Indian politics

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http://atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/SOU-03-210114.html



Keep the vampires out of Indian politics
By Romi Jain
Jan 21, '14

The entry of Arvind Kejriwal, a bureaucrat-turned anti-corruption activist, onto the political map of India has turned a national spotlight on the eradication of corruption. Kejriwal, the founder and leader of the Aam Admi Party (AAP - or Common Man's Party), became the Chief Minister of Delhi, the capital of India, in December 2013, with a stated mission of cleansing the polity: "We want all corrupt to be jailed and get severe most punishment."

Though corruption is not confined to the political domain, refining the polity, the authoritative wielder of national destiny, is imperative. As a matter of fact, the magnitude of political corruption and the existing VIP culture around politics highlights the charm that public offices hold for unconscientious individuals.

Moreover, indulgence in corrupt practices is almost a non-risky exercise because of several loopholes in anti-corruption laws, overburdened judiciaries, and politico-bureaucratic nexus. It is, therefore, essential to rid Indian politics of the lure that tempts and places vampires at the vortex of comforts.

Profligacy and poor work culture

In a self-benefiting exercise, the members of parliament hiked their salaries and allowances through a legislative amendment in 2010. As a result, their monthly salary is 50,000 rupees ($813), while monthly office and constituency allowances are 45,000 rupees each. They are also entitled to an allowance of 2,000 rupees for each day of residence on duty at a place where a parliament session is held.