Graft a deep malaise, but pills are many: President

Corruption, doubtless, is a cancer that warrants elimination, but a current country-wide discourse on ways to counter the menace has gone off-track, President Pratibha Devisingh Patil said today.

In her address to the nation on the eve of the Independence Day, she noted that India’s progress was as important as its societal morals. If graft had at present become a major issue, it was for the government, Parliament, judiciary and people at large to find ways to “handle it in a manner that is practical, implementable and sustainable”.

The Constitutional head chose not to name Anna Hazare, but tacitly referred to the veteran Gandhian and his ongoing movement when she said there could not be just one panacea or remedy to deal with corruption. “India is known for its sobriety and wisdom, balanced and sensible thinking. We need strong institutions and we need good governance in the country. Our institutions need to be fortified and our governance constantly improved. We should analyse the situation and find considered solutions to address the challenges we are facing in a thoughtful manner,” she said, adding that institutions must be protected and an erosion of credibility of institutions avoided.

“There is much promise, much potential, much hope and much optimism about India’s future prospects. I point this out so that, as we deal with the challenges, we should not be unmindful of either our achievements; or of our past.”

; or the principles on which our freedom, Constitution and democracy rest; or very importantly, of our future. Our actions today, our decisions today, will fashion our tomorrow. A deep sense of responsibility is a call of our times. All institutions and all citizens, have to demonstrate great maturity and, if I may say so, a degree of self-restraint, as we deal with our problems.”

Seeking to protect Parliament from the onslaught of Hazare’s trenchant criticism of the ruling machinery, Patil said Members of Parliament can contribute “immensely” to issues of national development. “There are several instances of commendable initiatives being taken by our elected representatives, including one where young parliamentarians in the country have come together, cutting across all party lines, to work on malnutrition. I appreciate these initiatives. There is possibility of other such issues which could be collectively addressed by parliamentarians belonging to all political parties,” she said. She also called for purging of anti-democratic practices like crime in politics and said good electoral practices were linked with a strong functional democracy.

The President referred to the new uncertainties in the global economy. “Our economy has fundamental strength and resilience, and its large domestic market can help it maintain steady growth rates. However, price rise is an issue engaging our attention, and would have to be dealt with. Rising prices affects families and especially those of our fellow citizens living below the poverty line. Efforts must be made to find ways and means to soften the impact of inflation, so that the benefits of growth are not blunted.” She also spoke about terrorism, saying it needs to be fought.