Prime Minister Modi, in his Independence Day speech sounded the bugle for “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan”. Like his other actions, this emphasis on cleanliness in an Independence Day speech was unconventional. He set an agenda which was not a party agenda but a national one. Though the opposition did make an attempt to cast some doubts saying that it was only showmanship, their comments did not cut much ice with the Indian public, a majority of whom are already enamoured with PM Modi. Pursuant to the appeal actions have been taken by corporates and citizens groups. With their cooperation the movement should succeed.
While cleanliness of roads, water, and sanitation are all welcome projects, what is far more important is cleaning the cobwebs in the mind. Mr. Modi craftily invited leaders from opposition parties to join the movement. This created a flutter particularly when Mr. Tharoor appreciated the proposal. In our country, political parties have constantly stuck to their stereotyped roles. Praising the laudable actions of somebody who is on the other side of the political divide is seen as committing a sin and more often than not political parties wash their hands of such comments by saying that it is the personal view of that leader. All this has to change. It is time that opposition parties realise that it is their duty to oppose the wrong actions of the Government, but if there is something that needs to be supported it should be done, though the credit for the same may well go to one’s political opponents.
To establish that he is serious in his endeavour, the Prime Minister and his party should set an example. Physical cleanliness can be achieved over a period of time. What is much more important is cleanliness in public life. Parties would do well to ensure that their leaders enjoy an impeccable reputation in public life. Those with established criminal backgrounds should not be offered party tickets. Cleaning the political system should be the top priority.
Along with this Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the four pillars of democracy also are in dire need of a clean up drive. Apart from politicians to whom I made a reference, somebody needs to wield the broom to clean the bureaucracy. What is necessary is a real intent to put honest upright bureaucrats at proper places. In this case, one needs swift and firm action. As I write this editorial, there are disturbing reports that an engineer of a local body who is alleged to have amassed huge wealth and against whom action by the anti-corruption bureau is pending has been reinstated. It is astonishing to note that such a person, will be heading the “vigilance department.” This is a cruel joke on the public and this action needs immediate correction. The media which has often played a stellar role in exposing the wrong deeds of public officials also needs to do a fair amount of introspection. While it is true that in this era of competition, media houses are often caught in the race to be first off the blocks, to give breaking news, it would be worth their while if they pause for a moment and ascertain whether what came to the knowledge was a fact or fiction. A comment in the media can cause immense damage to reputations. A clean and responsible media strengthens democracy. Finally, the judiciary which is considered as the saviour is also not free from its share of black sheep. The controversies about appointments to the highest court of the land leave a bitter taste in the mouth. As far as the lower judiciary and quasi-judicial authorities are concerned, a massive clean-up drive is necessary. Inefficient and corrupt incumbents at this level affect the general public. This is because it is these forums that are accessible and affordable to the public in their quest for justice.
While the nation is watching this movement with a great degree of expectation, is there a role that our profession can play? Can we contribute our mite to keep public life clean? While rendering services to our clients, keeping abreast of the various developments in the profession and sharpening our skill sets are definitely a prerequisite, what cannot be lost sight of are the qualities of integrity and independence. We must realise that our profession has this unique position akin to that of a family doctor. We enjoy the confidence of our clients for long periods of time. If we give them proper advice and inculcate the habit of complying with the law and regulations rather than making an attempt to sidestep them, we would have done our nation a great service. We must express our opinions without fear and in an independent manner. While I agree that we cannot do any moral policing, or impose principles on our clients, we must follow professional ethics ourselves, and render correct advice so that we go to bed with a clear conscience, with the satisfaction that we have done the best that we could. If we perform our role diligently, we would have gone a long way in giving our country a cleaner business environment.
Finally, we have recently celebrated the Festival of Lights and embarked on a new Samvat 2071, which promises to be a prosperous one. Let us try and ensure that it is a clean one as well. If actions of others in the past have sullied our mind, let us wipe the blackboard clean, and begin life with a new slate. We will then have contributed to the Swachh Bharat movement in the true sense.
