Corruption in High Places

The holier than all others media is at it again. They have found another controversy to debate and opine on. Accepted, this exactly is the purpose of media; they are watchdogs and they must bark at thieves. But they also must see to it that they are not barking at the honest or innocent by-passers.

A television debate is not expected to be an academic exercise. However, we do expect that it is not a farce. Media persons or T.V. journalists must realize that corruption in high places is a complex issue and can hardly be understood in black and white terms. Controversies surrounding defence deals are especially complex and multi-faceted and therefore need to be thoroughly probed. Such issues cannot be treated like college debates where two groups of students are required to speak in favor of or against a motion. It is quite apparent that neither General V.K. Singh nor Mr. Antony, the Defence Minister can speak out the whole truth as they are bound by oath of office on the one hand and are required to be restrained by the high sensitivities involved in discharging their duties. They cannot speak the whole truth in public even if it is required to clear their image. They will prefer to suffer the loss of image than reveal to the media what might endanger the security of the country. Because of the highly restraining compulsion under which the Army Chief and the Defence Minister work, a good many information is held back. Therefore any debate on the basis of half-information is bound to be lopsided.

India’s defence budget is very high. Unfortunately we make very few weapons indigenously and highly depend on import to meet our defence requirements. Here the corrupt minds see an opportunity to make quick big money. Import-export business understandably involves two countries atleast. All countries have their own business policies or methods of doing business. For instance we do not like middle man to play any role as it creates and encourages bribe culture. Well, this is our policy. But the country or the firm from which we want to purchase weapons have no such policy. In fact, in many cases they already have signed contracts with firms/people to promote the sale of their weapons. These firms/people are legal middlemen and are not necessarily bad characters. The difficulties involved in importing weapons from such firms/countries can easily be understood.

The corrupt often capitalizes on such difficulties of nations. He/she has many other ways to indulge in corruption. Unlike the politicians, the corrupt dealing in arms is often very intelligent. They use money, wine and women, the universally known methods of promoting their dirty business. They also infiltrate media, bureaucracy, intelligence agencies and defense establishments and advocate their causes in such a subtle way that they appear to be greatest nationalist. In sum, the corruption has become very smart, clever and intelligent. Is our media really equipped to outsmart the intelligent corrupt. Having watched a television debates in the last few days, I have no doubt that often ill-informed, even unconcerned people are on the air. Most sadly the anchors, too, are ill-prepared and often conduct debates in a superficial manner. But this much credit must be given to the media that despite being intellectually ill-prepared, they have been alert and have sought to play their role of being the watchdog very well. Their alertness will surely play a role in rooting out corruption from the country.

Along with alertness media or media houses also need to be academically strong. It appears as the policy is to invite or involve academics and experts working in universities and high profile institutions and enlighten the audience with their educated views and expert comments. But these experts cannot deliver unless right questions are put to them on right times. The role of the anchor is therefore vital. He/she must do his/her research and be fully prepared academically to be Devil’s advocate in the real sense of the word. His/her academic preparedness and thorough study of a subject’s all aspects will make television debates on corruption more meaningful.

Perhaps we depend a lot on law to end corruption. Agreed that there just not exist appropriate laws but these must have biting teeth also as without such a legal mechanism fighting against corruption would be well nigh impossible. However, along with stringent laws we also need to educate people that corruption is morally incorrect and is ultimately caught and punished. Perhaps the fight against corruption deserves to find appropriate place in school curriculum. The malaise of corruption is deep-rooted and widespread and therefore a long battle is required to root it out. It would be a wonderful idea to start this battle at the school level so that our next generation may breathe in corruption-free India.

(March 2012)