Letters-27: "Stringent RTI Act to Fight Corruption"

This is with reference to the editorial ‘Sleaze Matters’ (The Times of India, Chennai, June 16, 2008). It is disturbing to note that, according to the recent UN report, corruption continues to be a crippling problem in the Asia-Pacific region. Of course, India is no exception to the issue of corruption. Corruption is not only the root cause of the major problems facing the country today, but also a stumbling block to the country’s economic growth. Recently the World Bank cut $2 billion in funds for the health sector in the country after learning that its previous welfare schemes were plagued by corruption.

As a first step, people should take the initiative of fighting corruption in all possible ways. They should vehemently protest against officials demanding money for paperwork. Maintaining transparency and retaining accountability in the administration is also essential. In this regard, the RTI Act is the best option.

P.Senthil Saravana Durai, Hyderabad.
'My Times, My Voice’, Mail Box, The Times of India, June 27, 2008.
Grateful thanks to Mr.P.Senthil Saravana Durai and The Times of India.