Nagpur, May 15: Anti-corruption crusader and former IPS officer Kiran Bedi appealed people to wage a war against corruption suggesting various measures to weed it out.
“We have won a battle against corruption when a nation wide agitation was launched in New Delhi on April 5 but we have to fight a war of independence against corruption,” Bedi, who was at the forefront of agitation for Lokpal bill, said while addressing a function here.
“Cut the supply lines between supply and demand to root out corruption,” she said adding there was a need for creating awareness among people while women can take lead with formation of social audit groups to check the corrupt practices.
All top government officers should spare at least one hour for visitors to listen to their grievances and should also visit field for one hour to so as to acquaint themselves with the ground realities, Bedi said.
Recalling the chain of events during the agitation launched by Anna Hazare, she said no political party initially showed any interest in strengthening the Lokpal Bill.
“When we came to know of the Lokpal draft committee, we approached Anna who willingly accepted to lead on the issue.”
Bedi, a Raman Magsaysay-laureate, said the government lacked determination in fighting corruption all these days which is evident from the fact that the Prevention of Corruption Act is rendered toothless as there are no provisions either for recovering money from the accused or that of harsh punishment to the law breakers.
–PTI