Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Nov 5: Former Karnataka Lokayukta, Justice N Santosh Hegde, said that corruption can be effectively tackled, only when public servants accept full responsibility for what they do, and imbibe total transparency in their functioning.

He was delivering the valedictory address at Vigilance Awareness Week programme organized in the city by Customs Central Excise and Service Tax Commissionerate here, on Friday November 4.

“Everyone speaks about the ill-affects of corruption. But, only a miniscule percentage from among them genuinely tries to end this menace. Because of this, scams amounting to thousands of crores of rupees have become a common phenomenon in India.  Although huge amounts are spent on central and state government schemes, they do not get ploughed into purposes for which they are meant. Former Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi, too had pointed out this lacuna,” he said.

Hegde said that Gandhiji wanted administrative system to grow rural-centric. He lamented that even after six decades of our independence, there are villages where people have to walk for several kilometers every day to collect drinking water, and  that doctors of government hospitals, who are expected to serve people free of cost, demand hefty sums to provide proper treatment.

He wanted people to properly evaluate the performances of their elected representatives, and re-elect only those who have served them sincerely, and without getting involved with corrupt activities.  He urged the people to understand that illegal means and amassing wealth through improper ways gives only temporary happiness, and that legal and ethical ways alone can provide lasting happiness in one’s life. Justice Hegde wished that the youth will take a decisive role in ending corruption.

Customs commissioner, K C Gupta, presided over the programme. Commissioner, M V S Choudhury, delivered introductory address. Assistant commissioner, A S Bijjal, welcomed. Superintendent, Srikant, proposed vote of thanks.