No progress on anti-corruption laws in country: WNTA Report

A network of voluntary organisations under the banner of Wada Na Todo Abhiyan (WNTA) in its report today claimed that there had been no progress on anti-corruption laws in the country and that there have been concerted attempt to undermine existing legislations and mechanisms.
The Report titled 'Citizens report on 2nd year of NDA government: Promises and Reality', on the performance of Narendra Modi led NDA government which is set to complete its second year on May 26, pointed out that allocations to most social sector has fallen or had marginal increase which does not address the critical concerns in health, education and civic amenities.

While assessing the area of "accountability", the Report stated said that the Lokpal and the Whistle Blowers Protection laws passed by Parliament more than two years ago, are yet to be operationalised.
"Infact the government is attempting to dilute both laws. Instead of putting in place an effective grievance redress mechanism to ensure proper delivery of rights and services to people, the government is seeking to amend the existing Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) to make all bribe givers offenders, which would criminalise even those who are forced to pay a bribe to get their legal entitlements," said the report.

The importance of 'accountability' was further stressed by pointing out that the NDA had come to power in 2014 with the promise of 'achche din' and 'sabka saath, sabka vikas', and in this context, the report has observed that, "though the country has moved ahead on many counts, these communities and social groups have not kept pace with this growth.
"While India is making its mark at the global level, social and economic inequalities continue to grow and marginalize communities and their quality of life", it said.

The authors of the report while analysing the status of human rights said that there were several instances of intimidation and attacks on journalists, authors, artists and law defenders in the last two years.

It pointed out that the Central government continued its clampdown on civil society organisations critical of official policies.
"Religious tensions intensified and freedom of expression on university campus came under assault and that attacks by hardline Hindu groups grew," it said.