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India-FTA Trade Pact: A REAL BREAKTHROUGH, By Prof. (Dr.) D.K. Giri, 15 March 2024 Print E-mail

Round The World

New Delhi, 15 March 2024

India-FTA Trade Pact

A REAL BREAKTHROUGH

By Prof. (Dr.) D.K. Giri

(Secretary General, Assn for Democratic Socialism) 

The signing of Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) on 10th March between India and EFTA (European Free Trade Association) countries is a real breakthrough for India on building trade relations. This is because India has been negotiating an EFTA with European Union (EU) since 2007, which is yet to conclude. In the meantime, India managed to sign it with four EFTA countries which are small in population but strong in economy. These countries participate in European Single Market of EU and part of the Schengen area. The countries are Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. 

Negotiations for a trade agreement began with EFTA in 2008, one year later than that with EU. And it has been concluded earlier. The negotiators of EFTA felt that the agreement signifies success as it precedes any such agreement with the EU or any developed economy. The Indian side was led for the last 10 years by Minister of Commerce and Industry, Food and Consumer Affairs and Textiles, who sounded euphoric about the agreement. He said, “TEPA is a model and ambitious trade agreement”. 

It has created a couple of firsts. For the first time, India is signing an FTA with four developed countries which constitute a powerful economic bloc in Europe. “For the first time in history of FTAs binding commitment of 100 billion USD investment and 1 million direct jobs in the next 15 years has been given. The agreement will give a boost to Make in India and provide opportunities to young and talented workforce. The agreement will provide a window to Indian exporters to access large European and global markets”. 

Beginning in 2008, negotiations covered 13 rounds and then were put on hold in November 2013. They were resumed after gap of 10 years last year in October. And in less than six months, the TEPA was signed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the agreement in a written message, “Despite structural diversities in many respects, our economies possess complementarities that promise to be a win-win situation for all nations”. This feeling was reciprocated by one of the top negotiators, Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Helene Budliger Artieda, “There was a sense that we could really have a fair and balanced deal, which would the win-win …. five times win for all five parties.” (four EFTA countries plus India). 

The agreement consists of 14 chapters. It focuses on market access related to goods, rules of origin, trade facilitation, technical barriers to trade, investment proportion, market access to services, intellectual property rights, trade and sustainable development and many other legal provisions. Significantly, the agreement will see considerable tariff reduction, increase in market access and simplification of customs procedure. Most of all, the investment of 100 billion USD is the highlight of the agreement which provided the breakthrough moment. 

Prime Minister Modi noted that the global leadership of EFTA countries in innovation and R&D across diverse sectors like digital trade, banking and financial services and pharma will open up new doors of collaboration. Investment in these sectors will open up great opportunities for India. This is the second such full-fledged FTA signed after India’s agreement with the United Arab Emirates.

Indian industries have welcomed the trade agreement. The Director General of Confederation of Indian Industry opined that the agreement will yield multi-dimensional gains to Indian industries. He said, “It will elevate trade, promote technology, knowledge transfer, and encourage investment”. He added that improved market access in EFTA countries for Indian goods will boost India’s export potential and greatly expand employment opportunities. 

As noted, the negotiations concluded in a fast-track mode and the deal was signed just a few days, ahead of the announcement of dates for Lok Sabha elections in India. However, the political-electoral angle in the negotiations could not be attributed to EFTA countries although the incumbent Union Government could dangle it to the electorate as a prize they have secured. A question was asked to the Swiss State Secretary by an Indian journalist, “Did you think this deal would happen before Indian elections?” Her answer was candid. She said that one can never be 100 per cent sure in such negotiations involving five countries. “But I really felt sincere interest, trust and friendship between India and EFTA negotiators”. She pointed out that the agreement on investment chapter was a breakthrough moment. 

According to TEPA’s Chapter 7 that deals with investment promotion and cooperation, both sides are agreed that first tranche of 50-billion USD will be invested within 10 years and another 50 billion in the next five years. The EFTA side clarified in terms of riders that it is not the states that make the investment; it is the companies which do. Norwegian Trade Minister said in a press conference that, “It is about creating the right environment, speaking to our companies and then tracing and tracking development. It is also recorded that if the investment is not made within 15 years with a three-year grace period and another two years in negotiations, India will be entitled to withdrawing some of its trade concessions. 

It is the investment that will define the parameters of success. India should do everything possible to facilitate that investment. Many investors know that India is a big market but are equally aware of the bottle necks. It is for New Delhi to clear such impediments and make it investment friendly. Likewise, India’s export regime has to improve. Timely clearance of goods by the Indian Custom Department is necessary. The timelines for delivery have to be adhered to by the Indian companies. The quality check is another issue that Indian exporters must be wary of. In my research on India-EU trade, these issues were pointed out by EU officials. 

The agreement will come into force after the ratification by EFTA countries expected by the end of this year. Switzerland, the biggest of the four, will possibly bring the agreement for ratification by Swiss Parliament in the autumn session. So, by the end of the year, the agreement should come into force. Other countries which have a different time span for ratification process would also complete it by the end of the year. 

The agreement is indeed a momentous occasion for Indian trade despite the murmur on timing of the agreement which is just before the elections. It is an achievement that Indians should be happy about. This will perhaps open up of the possibility of such agreements in general with other developing countries and hasten the process with the EU in particular. New Delhi should set an example by successfully implementing the TEPA.---INFA 

(Copyright, India News & Feature Alliance)

CAA, Simultaneous Polls: AMMO FOR OPPOSITION STATES, By Insaf, 16 March 2024 Print E-mail

Round The States

New Delhi, 16 March 2024

CAA, Simultaneous Polls

AMMO FOR OPPOSITION STATES

By Insaf 

The timing of the CAA notification and Ram Nath Kovind panel’s report recommending ‘one nation, one election’, other than details of electoral bonds, has further ignited the poll arena for Battle 2024. Opposition-ruled states have upped the ante against BJP and Modi team, though it remains to be seen whether it will fire up the voter. Chief Ministers of West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Delhi have resolved to oppose it, accusing the BJP of resurrecting the ‘divisive’ Act, four years since it was passed only to manipulate religious sentiments for political gains. Specifically, Kerala Cabinet has decided to move the Supreme Court by asking Advocate General to initiate action against it without further delay. The firm No says Chief Minister Vijayan is because it treats Muslim minorities as second-class citizens. In West Bengal Mamata Didi warns the Act could be a precursor to implementation of the NRC across the country and must be opposed. In BJP-ruled Assam, protests are hotting up with police warning of strict action. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is at pains to say, ‘Indian Muslims needn’t worry as CAA won’t impact their citizenship…Modi has delivered on his promise.’ Will the top court allow him to fulfil it?   

‘One nation, no election…’ Congress’ reaction to the report recommending holding of simultaneous polls in the country, may turn out to be good campaign material. Here too, Opposition parties are in sync voicing serious concern since Thursday last, since the report was submitted to President Murmu. “The prime minister’s objective is very clear. He’s going around asking for a clear majority, 23rd majority, 400 seats…They want to completely dismantle Constitution’, says the grand old party. It’s ally in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena (UBT) asserts the concept was a move towards dictatorship; the AIMIM termed the bid a “…frequent elections keep governments on their toes… they will no more have to worry about people’s fury for five years…It (the move) will convert India into a one-party state.” In UP, SP said “in a country like ours, ‘one nation, one election’ seems impossible’. 

The AAP warns it would ‘marginalise regional parties, encourage dominance of national parties, and result in a presidential form of government”. The BJP is among 32 other parties, mostly its NDA partners supporting the recommendation, as it will help save resources, spur development and social cohesion..’ In the first stage, elections for LS and all state assemblies can be held together and in the second, civic polls and panchayats will be synchronised with these within 100 days. Critically, term of Assemblies elected after the first sitting of newly-elected Lok Sabha will be cut short till the next general elections to ensure the cycle is not disturbed! Worrisome for regional players as the recommendations could just as well come into force in five years—2029!   

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Haryana’s Surprise

Haryana springs a big surprise. On Tuesday last, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar suddenly resigned with his entire Cabinet, by evening he was replaced by Nayab Singh Saini and 24 hours later BJP government comfortably won the trust vote in Assembly. Clearly, the change of guard was orchestrated with an eye on ensuing elections, both in the State and Centre, with the anti-incumbency factor weighing against Khattar’s 2-term leadership. The BJP also took serious note of Congress’ OBC thrust and thus chose Saini, an OBC to counter its opponent. This apart, it opted for dumping Dy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala and his JJP, which with its 9 MLAs had helped form the alliance government after a fractured verdict in 2019. This, as JJP was asking for two seats for LS polls, whereas big brother was willing to give only one. However, the parting of ways doesn’t quite gel, as JJP issued a whip asking its MLAs to remain ‘absent’ during the trust vote! Said Congress: “We used to hear a whip issued by a party asking its MLAs to ensure their presence during a voting. It’s first time we are hearing a party has issued a whip to its members to remain absent… A fixed match is being played by both BJP-JJP”. The INLD response was on similar lines. Be that as it may, BJP has plans for Khattar as he’s given a Lok Sabha ticket and that it can shift gears to remain on the road to victory.   

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Tripura U-Turn

For or against the tribals, is a question doing the rounds in Tripura. Tipra Motha chief and royal scion-turned-politician Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma has stirred a hornet nest by joining BJP-IPFT alliance, four days after he signed a tripartite pact with Centre and state government and a month after he was talking to Congress to cobble an anti-BJP coalition! Expectedly, Congress and CPM accuse him of ‘playing with tribals’ as all along he’s been demanding a Greater Tipraland state for tribals but instead signed a ‘bogus piece of paper’ (agreement) which tries to sell Tiprasa (tribals of Tripura) and looks after his own interests. Pradyot hits back: both these parties neglected tribals’ rights while in government, didn’t lend support during anti-CAA protests and ‘it’s they who prioritised political interests over tribal welfare.’ He also explains his joining government is to ‘ensure proper implementation of accord’; two of his MLAs shall join Cabinet; and importantly, his sister, who he managed to get a BJP ticket for East Tripura ST-reserved constituency ‘she shall be needed in Delhi to further its progress.’ Time will tell. 

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Bengaluru’s Water Woes

Don’t use of potable water for cleaning vehicles, gardening, building construction, fountains, swimming pools, entertainment purposes other than as drinking water in cinema halls and malls, is Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board’s warning to residents in IT hub Bengaluru. Else, pay a fine of Rs 5,000 in case of violation. Indeed, the Karnataka government is busy grappling with water woes as concerns grow over Cauvery water supply and depleting groundwater levels. Steps include, ordering huge tankers from adjoining towns; take over private borewells (50% of borewells have dried up); fill up the drying lakes with 1,300 million litres per day of treated water to replenish groundwater sources; install filter borewells and construct water plants using an innovative technology near the restored lake beds to supply water after testing, etc. Too little too late, may be a right reaction. Undoubtedly, it’s the unplanned urbanisation and over concretisation in the city which needs to be dealt with. Blaming climate change doesn’t hold water! ---INFA

(Copyright, India News & Feature Alliance)

Hospital Treatment Rates: SC BALM FOR COMMON MAN, By Dhurjati Mukherjee, 13 March 2024 Print E-mail

Open Forum

New Delhi, 13 March 2024

Hospital Treatment Rates

SC BALM FOR COMMON MAN

By Dhurjati Mukherjee 

That health is a neglected sector in India has been echoed by experts over the years, but the government has not taken adequate measures to ensure that benefits reach all sections of society. It is, in this connection, that the very recent Supreme Court order merits special attention. The order directed “all hospitals and clinical establishments must display rates charged for each type of service provided and facilities available for the benefit of patients at a conspicuous place in the vernacular as well as in the English language and charge rates for each type of procedure and service within the range of rates determined and issued by the Centre from time to time, in consultation with the state government”. 

The bench of Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta, hearing a PIL by the NGO ‘Veterans Forum for Transparency in Public Life,’ boldly stated, “If the Union government fails to find a solution, then we will consider the petitioner’s plea for implementing CGHS-prescribed standardised rates.” The PIL sought clarity on medical expenses and urged the Centre to determine the fee chargeable to patients based on Rule 9 of the Clinical Establishment Rules 2012 on which the judgment would stand out to be a landmark order. 

It is indeed distressing to note that health has become big business in the country and the private nursing homes charge rates that even the middle class finds difficult to pay. There is no regulation by the state governments and the Centre is totally indifferent to the continued fleecing of the population. The political class has never said anything regarding the matter and there are virtually no protests as the nursing homes owners are rich and powerful. 

Though some of the state governments have given land at subsidised rates to these nursing homes – some also call them hospitals – they are supposed to reserve some beds for the poor and the economically weaker sections, but this is not done, and the state governments do not check whether these health centres actually treat the poor. It has to be accepted that the ruling dispensation at the Centre favours the rich, but this is also true of most state governments. 

The question that comes up is how will the poor get proper treatment? There is no survey undertaken in the country to determine how many poor people are not properly diagnosed and, as such, treatment is not received by them. Moreover, costs of treatment in the private sector are quite high, specially of life-threatening diseases. But though these are considered life-threatening in the country, this is not so in the Western world as also in the emerging economies. 

It is a well-known fact that the conditions of rural health centres and hospitals run by the government are in a pitiable state of affairs with very few specialists and even general doctors not being able to give proper attention to the huge number of patients. Moreover,equipmentis lacking and specialised treatment, in most cases, is not possible. 

Some experts question that there is no proper survey to find out how much people from the lower segments of society have to spend to get proper treatment, how many of them can really afford this treatment, how much they have to travel to avail of this treatment? It has been found that poor people have been found to sell their fixed assets like land, even part of building, apart from jewellery etc. and taking huge loans at high rates of interest, mostly from moneylenders.   

Though such order for standardisation of rates should have been taken decades back to prevent health being treated as a source business, the present order, if acted on seriously, would greatly benefit the common man. One cannot deny that health facilities must improve in all parts of the country, specially in the backward districts, and this can only happen when facilities are available at affordable rates. 

It is worth referring to a World Health Organization (WHO) report which rightly highlighted the fact that with countries reducing investments in health after the Covid outbreak does not augur well as health security is complementary to economic security. To address gaps and prepare for the next pandemic, the regional director of Southeast Asian region of WHO stressed on investments and strengthening six pillars of health systems –service delivery, health workforce, access to medical products, vaccines and technologies, health information systems, and financing backed by political commitment. 

The government proposal of setting up hospitals in PPP mode in select underserved districts has not been implemented as business houses are not interested to set up such centres in remote rural areas. It was envisaged that medical colleges would be attached to district hospitals in PPP mode to address shortage of qualified medical doctors. However, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) expressed concerns by public health experts that inviting the private sector to manage public hospitals was tantamount to backdoor corporatisation of civil hospitals and this would not help the poor as the mass would not get benefits at affordable rates. 

A recent development that should be welcomed is the initiative by the insurance regulator to allow subscribers to avail cashless treatment at any private hospital or nursing home, irrespective of whether it is part of an insurer’s network or not. Earlier to get treated in such a nursing home, which was not part of an insurer’s network of facilities, patients had to pay the full amount and go through the cumbersome process to claim reimbursement. This would undoubtedly help a major section of the middle class, specially the salaried who have such insurance facilities. 

It goes without saying that health is critical to human well-being and, as such, there is need to look into the whole issue and evolve an effective solution in the matter. The judiciary has done the right intervention though this was needed much earlier. Now it is the prerogative of the Centre to direct the states to check the functioning of private nursing homes and hospitals and ensure not just standardisation of rates but see to it that at least 20 percent of beds are reserved for the poor from whom just the actual costs of surgery and minimum doctor’s fees are recovered. 

Only talking of ‘health for all’ has no meaning unless effective steps are taken by the Centre and the states. Maybe some time, the judiciary will also intervene and direct the states to ensure that the poor citizens of the country are not deprived of basic health facilities. As socio-economic development is intrinsically linked to better health, the present landmark order, if adhered to, will bring about a drastic change in the functioning of private health centres.---INFA

(Copyright, India News & Feature Alliance)

 

From Your Lordship to Jan Sevak:CONSTITUTIONALLY JUST NOT DONE!, By Poonam I Kaushish,12 March 2024 Print E-mail

Political Diary

New Delhi, 12 March 2024

From Your Lordship to Jan Sevak

CONSTITUTIONALLY JUST NOT DONE!

By Poonam I Kaushish

Now days when you see someone holding his nose you don’t know whether it’s pollution or politics. Either way the net result is the same. Increasing political pollution replete with contaminated smog and toxic waste. But the latest in an ever-growing series of political skullduggery was an unimaginable onslaught which threatens to undermine the independence and impartiality of a Constitutional body: Judiciary.

Who could imagine that the man flashing the Constitution, cracking the judicial whip and doling out unpalatable orders to culprits would one day succumb to political temptation himself? How else does on describe Calcutta High Court Judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay somersault from the high judicial Bench to the rough and tumble of politics by joining BJP last week. All, for name and fame in the political sun. Never mind if he knocked a big blow to the judiciary, thumped people’s faith in courts, rapped our moral conscience and smacked our last resort for justice.

And, this after accusing a brother judge of “working for a political Party” which marked a low for the judiciary and relationship between Government and Court in West Bengal 24 January.

Importantly, the judge’s decision to join politics and manner and context in which it was taken raises questions of judicial propriety and impartiality. But it also stands out for three reasons. One, his record in court was full of controversy. Two, for over two years these controversies showcased an unseemly spectacle of a sitting judge at loggerheads with an elected Government in a manner that invited questions of partisanship.

Three, his political foray will have a bearing on dispensation of justice. Could not millions of litigants think that a judge was harsh on the Administration on the eve of his resignation in the hope of reward from BJP?

Take the job scam case September 2022. While hearing the matter, Gangopadhyay all but accused Mamta’s nephew and TMC leader Abhishek Bannerjee of “amassing wealth” to a TV channel. This lack of “judicial propriety” led Supreme Court to order Calcutta High Court Chief Justice to assign the case to a different Bench. In January he again overruled a larger Bench in a case regarding admissions to State medical colleges and made irresponsible remarks against a colleague.

What Gangopadhyay doesn’t seem to realize is that by joining BJP he has inflicted an avoidable hurt to an important Constitutional pillar. A body blow that would not be easy to recover from. Once the “Conscience Keeper” of democracy falls prey to political sharks, there is no salvation but a steady slide downhill.

His political foray now casts a shadow over decisions he made on the Bench. His justification for his political turn to BJP ---- insults and barbs of TMC leaders holds little water. Even as the Party accuses him of being a “BJP political worker.”

Arguably, by offering Gangopadhyay a political lollipop, BJP has violated the letter and spirit of the Constitution. Future judges might well be more than willing to bend rules in favour of a particular Party in hope and expectation of reaping political rewards post retirement.

Undoubtedly, it has divided public opinion and is deeply troubling that an institution that plays guardian and watchdog of freedoms and routinely sets the agenda for institutional propriety and probity should be seen to play political favourites. While supporters say Gangopadhyay has shown courage, critics aver this is inappropriate while netas derisively assert the judge has behaved like “a politician.”

Certainly, Gangopadhyay is not the first judge of a Constitutional court to resign and join politics. In 1967, former Chief Justice of India Subba Rao venerated for his famous Golaknath and Kharak Singh judgments resigned three months before retirement to contest the Presidential election as Opposition candidate. And India’s first Attorney General Setalvad castigated famed jurist Chagla for accepting Nehru’s offer of ambassadorship. In 1983 Supreme Court Justice Bahural Islam resigned six weeks before retirement to contest Lok Sabha polls.

Rajiv Gandhi too nominated ex Chief Justice India M.H. Beg for Rajya Sabha which threatened to besmirch judiciary’s fair name was averted when Justice Beg died a few days before formalities were completed. Prime Minister Modi too followed in his footsteps by nominating Justice Gogoi to Rajya Sabha in March 2020, snidely described by Opposition as his reward for Ayodhya judgment.  

What to speak of ex-CJI Ranganath Mishra who was Congress’s Rajya Sabha nominee and Justice Baharul Islam-turned-Congress Lok Sabha MP. Or Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief Justice Rama Jois turned-Governor- BJP Rajya Sabha MP and Supreme Court Judge-turned Congress Rajya Sabha MP-turned Janata Party Lok Sabha MP-turned-Speaker KS Hegde.

Yet again, the country’s first woman Supreme Court judge Justice Fatima Beevi was appointed member of National Human Rights Commission post retirement 1992. In 1997, Beevi was appointed Tamil Nadu Governor where she was in the eye of a political storm over her decision to ignore established Constitutional norms and anoint AlADMK supremo Jayalalithaa as Chief Minister 2001, notwithstanding she could not contest Assembly poll due to her conviction in a corruption case

Or ex Chief Election Commissioner Gill to the Rajya Sabha. I recall, when late Punjab CM Badal remarked that those who held such august offices should not contest on Party tickets, Gill retorted: “Maine koi theka liya sau saal da”. And as mithai was distributed he had conveniently forgotten his halla bol against the political cesspool and his repeated emphasis on values and integrity.

Alas, over the years our leaders have eroded judiciary’s impartiality without outwardly violating the Constitution’s letter. Trust them to find a lacuna and brazenly exploit it. They merrily take advantage of absence of “silence” of our Constitution framers, Constitutional or legal bar on those holding high Constitutional posts from joining politics, fighting elections, holding office or taking a Government appointment.

This is not all. Post retirement judges have become Governors. Recall, the appointment of former Chief Justice of India S Sathasivam as Kerala Governor 2014. India’s second CEC, KVK Sundaram was made the Chairman of the Law Commission on retirement. Yet again in 1986, the CEC, R.K. Trivedi, was rewarded with the Governorship of Gujarat within months of retirement.

Clearly, the BJP does not appear to have been well-advised in admitting Gagopadhyay. This unfortunate decision can only snowball causing grave injury to the system unless the statute is changed to bar Chiefs of Constitutional Offices like CJI, Judges, CECs, and CAG etc from either joining a Party, accepting further appointment by Government on retirement.

Plainly, such a step is needed to preserve and protect independence of judiciary since nobody seems to care a damn for healthy and time-honoured conventions. This is all the more necessary in view of the “aberration nee pattern” that is slowly but surely seeping into the body politic --- and is certain to receive encouragement from the Gangopadhyay episode.

Undeniably, the arms-length distance between Executive and Judiciary along-with mutual respect needs to remain intact even after demitting office. If arms length is swapped by a warm embrace, it warns of grave danger.

The moot point is: Can India afford to allow persons holding Constitutional offices to accept “rewards” from Parties after retirement? One hopes that Gangopadhyay case does not became the norm and judges desist from rising to the bait. This does not auger well for the future of India’s democracy. ------ INFA.

(Copyright India News & Feature Alliance)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inflated Bills Main Vote Plank: LAWS DON’T CUT DOWN GRAFT, By Shivaji Sarkar, 11 March 2024 Print E-mail

 

Economic Highlights

New Delhi, 11 March 2024

Inflated Bills Main Vote Plank

LAWS DON’T CUT DOWN GRAFT

By Shivaji Sarkar 

Two landmark judgments, one on the electoral bonds scheme and the other JMM - Jharkhand Mukti Morcha bribery case, should call for an introspection into the myriad ways of graft. The nation despite vociferously discussing it for decades has not found a way out. No wonder India has the onerous ranking of 93 out of 180 on the global corruption index in 2023.  

The recent Rajya Sabha cross-voting in Himachal Padesh, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka are blatant instances that money or other quid pro quo is routine. This has been happening in the Rajya Sabha elections for quite some time causing some change of rules, including open ballot system making it mandatory for the MLAs to exhibit how they voted. Still, it is happening. 

Would it stop parliamentary malpractices? Apparently not. The BJP in September 2015 suspended six MPs seen to give king bribes on videotaped broadcast by a TV channel. It has not come to an end. TMC MP Mohua Moitra was expelled in 2023 for alleged links with a businessman, who was reportedly allowed to use her official email. The new SC verdict now does away with the immunity to MPs granted by a judgement in 1998 under Article 105. 

The common man can hardly escape this. Power corporations, be these under government or private, do it openly to harass consumers. In some states, people are getting five to ten times inflated bills not for the purpose of realisation but for seeking high rents from the gullible. The current elections may see some regime changes because of the electricity bills alone in some northern states. Many find the AAP model in Delhi imitable. It gives succour to the people apart from reducing corruption. 

Even driving licences being centralised have a cost. Four times the actuals are charged by the regional transport authority agents to have smooth renewals, which could otherwise be an automatic process. 

Roads are supposed to be an indicator of progress, but the CAG flags off a road in Delhi’s Dwaraka. As per approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) the 28 km Dwarka expressway was sanctioned Rs 18.2 a km but Rs 250.77 a km was the actual expense, 13 times higher. 

Since the bogey of Bofors bribery, there would be hardly a deal which might not have seen the “cut money” phenomenon from an innocuous object to the purchases of arms, aircraft, drones or contracts for constructions. 

Sadly, corruption is built into the system. Even currency note exchange during the demonetisation had built into it. It is difficult to quantify but Transparency International (TI) had indicated in 2005, truckers paid Rs 222 crore ($28 billion) in bribes. Both government regulators and police share bribe money to the tune of 43 percent and 45 percent each, respectively. The volume must have increased though the formula may remain valid now. 

Notably, the 2005 TI report states that over 62 percent of Indians confirmed that they had to bribe a public official at some point to get something done or enjoy services provided by them (public officials). In 2019, the Corruption Perceptions Index ranked India at 40-49 percent and in 2021, India was at 85 out of 180 in the CPI grading. It slid to 93 in 2023. 

As of December 2009, 120 of India’s 542 Parliament members have accusations of partaking in corruption-related crimes like bribing under First Information Report (FIR). Many of the biggest scandals since 2010 have involved high-level government officials, including Cabinet ministers and chief ministers, such as the 2010 Commonwealth Games Scam (₹70,000 crores (US$8.8 billion)), the Adarsh Housing Society Scam, the Mining Scandal in Karnataka and the cash for vote scams. 

In 2019, an online petition exposed the ineffectiveness of the country’s top anti-corruption authority, Lokpal, which is supposed to stop corruption in the country. The petition addressed to the Chairperson of Lokpal asserts that the Lokpal officials are squandering enormous amounts of public money without accountability. 

Professor BibekDebroy and Laveesh Bhandari claim in their book Corruption in India: The DNA and RNA, in 2010, that public officials in India may be cornering as much as Rs 921 billion ($12 billion), or 1.26 per cent of the GDP, through corruption. 

Corruption also results in lower economic growth for a given level of income. With the reduction in corruption level in India the growth rate of GDP might increase by 5 to 7 percent. As per an estimate, corruption in India causes a loss of growth in terms of investment and employment to the tune of Rs 25000 crores. 

The report said as the Asia Pacific region faces a 2024 election year, with people coming out to vote in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Solomon Islands, South Korea and Taiwan, the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) reveals another year of little to no meaningful progress towards curbing corruption. 

The government has been pursuing zero tolerance against corruption and has taken several measures. There are 3745 cases of corruption lodged in 2021, according to the National Crime Records Bureau Report (NCRB). In addition, 457 cases are there against 549 public servants. A series of raids were conducted by Enforcement Directorate on a series of politicians, businessmen and other across the country. 

Another factor for increasing graft is the rising numbers of multinational corporations’ involvement. The Bribe Payers Index record their engagements. It is a myriad way they function. 

Offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act are also predicate offences for proceedings under the money laundering act. In addition, these offences could also entail criminal consequences under the Benami Act and the Black Money Act. Individuals or corporations charged with corruption also face possible prosecution under PMLA, Benami Act and Black Money Act, and, upon conviction, may be subjected to further imprisonment and, or, fines for offences therein. 

However, the level of graft is not coming down. Despite digitising, the rent seeking has not come to an end. It calls for an effort across social boundaries. The elections might see more of it in different forms and the colour may change but not the graft.---INFA

 

(Copyright, India News & Feature Alliance)


 

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