The problem of corruption cannot be ignored !
The telecom, coal, Commonwealth, and AgustaWestland scandals played a major role in the downfall of the Congress-led UPA government. But 11 years later, has corruption returned? In Bengaluru, BPCL CFO K. Shiva Kumar had to pay bribes at every level, from ambulance drivers to police, crematorium staff to municipal officials, after his daughter’s death. This shows how deeply entrenched corruption is at the local level.
Similarly, a land deal worth Rs 300 crore in Pune involving the company of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s son, Parth Pawar, was cancelled by CM Devendra Fadnavis himself. However, the fact that the deal was approved at all indicates two things: First, the collusion of political families with builders. Second, the manner in which such deals are being conducted shows the return of corruption, which has plagued several previous governments.
While major corruption in defense deals and direct benefit welfare schemes has declined significantly, local-level corruption is on the rise in states. Whether it’s local bodies or government hospitals, bribes are considered the price to pay for getting things done.
By paying a convenience fee, you can get a death certificate that used to take weeks in just a few days. But the cost of even minor corruption isn’t always trivial; it can be fatal. Even in a metropolis like Mumbai, we’ve seen people die due to potholes on the roads.
Two-wheeler riders often lose their lives in accidents on dangerous, potholed roads. Corruption in road construction has increased in cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru. Just two years after its inauguration by the Prime Minister, a portion of the 22-kilometer-long Atal Setu, connecting Mumbai to Navi Mumbai, had to be repaired. Newly constructed bridges in Bihar have collapsed. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), which has maintained a clean image until now, is also facing a flood of complaints about poor highway construction.
In cities, infrastructure projects are tendered through a nexus between politicians, bureaucrats, and contractors. However, contractors are told in advance how low their bids must be to win the tender. Globally, asphalt is typically used for roads, but in India, cement-concrete is tendered. This is five times more expensive than asphalt, increasing the scope for commissions.
Let’s say a project costs ₹100 crore (100 crore rupees). A pre-selected contractor bids ₹70 crore (70 crore rupees). Upon winning the contract, he pays ₹20 crore (20 crore rupees) in commissions to a cabal of politicians, officials, and consultants.
With the remaining 50 crore rupees, he builds roads and bridges using substandard materials. Within a year, potholes appear, and politicians and officials are given the opportunity to issue tenders again in the name of repairs. In this, the tax-paying citizen is the one who is cheated.
The government should be concerned about such local corruption. Regardless of the outcome of the Bihar elections on November 14th, all parties must remember that corruption led to the ouster of Congress governments at the center and in the states a decade ago. If corruption at the state and municipal levels is not curbed, history could repeat itself.
The Anna movement played a key role in ousting the Congress from power. In light of this, Modi should take strict action against corruption in BJP-ruled states. Following Bihar, assembly elections are due in Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
Regional and local issues such as employment, inflation, and growth will play a major role in this. Increased consumption spending, driven by the reduction in GST and income tax rates, has given the government a strong platform. Now, it must ensure that corruption does not undermine its foundation.
The government should be concerned about local corruption. All parties must remember that corruption led to the collapse of central and state governments a decade ago. If corruption at the state and municipal levels is not curbed, history could repeat itself.
