Venkat Raman
Auckland, August 15, 2022
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought the support and cooperation of his countrymen and countrywomen to root out corruption and nepotism that are eating into the vitals of the society.
Speaking from the Red Fort on August 15, 2022, he paid tribute to the freedom fighters and ‘great men and women of India,’ and outlined his vision for the country over the next 25 years of ‘Amrit Kaal,’ (the perfect time to start a venture).
Getting tough on absconders
Mr Modi spared no mercy for perpetrating corruption- meaning the recipient and the donor.
“In a democracy like India, where people are struggling with poverty and do not have a place to live, there are people who do not have a place to keep their ill-gotten money. This is not an ideal situation. So, we have to fight against corruption with all our might. In the last eight years, we have been successful in working for the betterment of the country by saving two lakh crore rupees (about $40 billion) which used to go into the wrong hands, using all the modern systems like Direct Benefit Transfer, Aadhaar and Mobile. We have seized the property of those who fled the country after looting banks during the tenure of the previous government; we are trying to get them back. Some have been forced to go behind the bars. We are trying to ensure that those who looted the country are compelled to return,” he said.
Indian Newslink is highlighting this issue because we often hear of potential businesses and investors being fearful of being caught in the cobweb of corruption. We understand that Mr Modi’s government will shortly announce tough measures to combat this evil.
War against the perpetrators
He said that India is entering a crucial period against corruption.
“Even the big ones will not be able to escape. With this spirit, India is now stepping into a decisive period against corruption. I am saying this with great responsibility from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Brothers and sisters, the corrupt are eating away the country like termites. I have to fight against it, intensify the fight and have to take it to a decisive point,” he said.
Mr Modi said that many people have gone so shameless that despite being convicted in court, having been proved corrupt, having been sentenced to imprisonment, while still serving in jail, they continue to glorify, take pride and continue to elevate their status.
“Unless there is hatred towards filth in the society, the consciousness for cleanliness does not arise, unless we develop hatred towards the corrupt and corruption until we relegate these people to social shaming, such mentality will not change. And that is why we need to be very aware of corruption and corrupt people,” he said.
Jobs for the favoured
Mr Modi also spoke against nepotism, indicating that his government will after people who have secured jobs or positions through corrupt practices.
He said that he would fight against nepotism in not just politics but everywhere else.
“All of us have to work hard on fighting Nepotism by becoming more aware and creating an antipathy for this. Only such efforts can save our institutions and ingrain ethical behaviour in future generations. This is mandatory to ensure a bright future for our institutions,” he said.
