RTI, Corruption and Good governance in Kashmir

There can be of course lot of things responsible for the downfall of a nation, but there are some things which are really having an outstanding performance for the downfall of any civilization…. Almost everyone among is aware of the word ‘Corruption; there is a lot of importance given to this word in our corrupt society, as we are all corrupt…. Our state has always topped among the most corrupt states in India since a long term. ‘Corruption’ according to the wikipedia encyclopedia an online webpage of encyclopedia, means “to destroy”, hence the meaning of the word is itself a reflection of its ends….. In our state an official from low level to higher level is almost corrupt. The payer and the receiver of a bribe are the two faces of the same coin, and hence both have equal role in encouraging and building a corrupt atmosphere, and in this whole process High level corrupt officials cover and provide a shield to low level officers in exchange of bribes. We can say corruption is the misuse of Powers for some private and ill wished aims as well as gains.

To uproot the menace of Corruption a state has to take initiatives to make state a model and prosperous state. An accountable state is necessary for the control of corruption. The citizens can be best check on the corrupt practices of a government, and that can only be achieved if the state provides its citizens with a strong information system with the establishment of citizen Grievance cells/Units at state and central level. Moreover Govts. at both the levels have provided its citizens with an information system Under RTI act 2005 in centre and RTI Act 2009 at state level.

The freedom of press is the basis of any best information system in a democratic setup. The role of Non Government Organizations is of importance in this regard, the ogres organize seminars, debates and symposiums and participation in integrity workshops. Moreover these organizations work as watchdog groups in a state, so they keep a check on different state policies. Corruption being an economic issue not only affects state economies but global economies as well. The bureaucrats working on top posts and enjoying powers are corrupt ,because according to Plato “ Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely”. Hence entire state machinery itself makes state dull in every aspect. Rich goes on becoming more rich and poor goes on becoming poorer. The corrupt state practices uproot the sense of service. it is encouraged and even strengthen by we all living in this society. Keeping every corner of corruption in mind good governance becomes a dream, and will remain until everyone among us changes and revolutionizes his character. To control corruption like menace has been indeed the policy of state but up to paper level, because the whole state machinery is involved in it.

The mere conferment of anti corruption law without changing the prevalent style of governance makes entire process futile. We hardly hear of corruption in our neighboring country like China, which is the most populous one that is because the system found there is correct. The movements like J&K RTI Movement can be no doubt called as revolutionary movement in our state which has been mobilizing people to make state accountable before people. The rights of people have always been snatched and even poor have been demoralized by the state departments. Till date hundreds of frauds and scandals have been highlighted by its activists, against which they have been harassed, beaten and even put behind bars for speaking the truth. Moreover the state government has not nominated SIC after spending a huge amount for this important post. But still it is headless. Now, let us unite in making this movement a revolutionary and achieve those goals, objectives and milestones which are in its programme and agenda.