Corruption watchdog on the prowl

New Delhi: Corruption has been deeply entrenched in our society, within our system. But are we doing anything to contain it? Do we simply allow things to happen as they are happening or do we stand up and do something to change the tide?

Well, a group of top former bureaucrats, police officers and officers from the armed forces have come together to form a group called the India Rejuvenation Initiative (IRI). Their aim is to tackle corruption.

So, who are these warriors? These are the men who intend to take on the high and mighty in the world of corruption.

With the motto of action over deliberations, five former bureaucrats have formed Bharat Punaroththan Abhiyan or India Rejuvenation Initiative, to weed out corruption.

Leading the group is former Chief Justice of India, Justice RC Lahoti known for his efforts on judicial reforms and corruption within the judiciary. And also due to judgements on Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act of Assam.

Another key member is VK Shunglu, former Comptroller and Auditor-General of India. As a Secretary, Shunglu served the Department of Power, Health and Family Welfare, and Industrial Policy and Promotion.

He also served the Asian Development Bank, World Bank and the United Nations in different capacities.

But the man to watch will be former election commissioner, JM Lygndoh. Credited for a fair Kashmir election in 2002, Lyngdoh, however, hit fame for taking-on the Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, by cancelling Gujarat Assembly elections in 2002.

From the academia, there is former Chairman of the UGC Dr Hari Gautam. A professor of cardio-thoracic surgery, he served as Vice-Chancellor of Benaras Hindu University (BHU) before joining UGC.

During his tenure, the controversial proposal of introducing Vedic astrology as a science subject in Indian universities had come up.

Former Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy and former the Punjab DGP JF Ribeiro are the other two important members.

Ribeiro, in fact, had started the Public Concern for Governance Trust in Maharashtra three years ago. While the new group aims to mobilise public opinion, how successful they'll be in controlling corruption remains to be seen.

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