The AAP's Claim on Decreased Corruption: An Honest Appraisal
Is Delhi indeed becoming less corrupt? According to the All India Congress Committee (AICC), the corruption in the national capital has declined significantly. However, the extent of this reduction is debatable. Let's examine where this reduction has been observed and whether the present government has made a substantial impact on curbing corruption.
Central Government's Role in Reducing Corruption
As per reports, the reduction in corruption has been observed in departments under the central government. Various transactions that previously required standing in long queues at various government offices have now been moved to online platforms and government websites. This change has undoubtedly helped in mitigating corruption, as transactions can now be conducted transparently and without the need for bribes or undue influence.
Systemic Changes and Design: These changes are the result of deliberate systemic reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and reducing corruption. However, the success of these measures is contingent upon the implementation and monitoring of these reforms, and there is a need for continued vigilance to ensure they are effective.
AAP's Role and Ideological Commitment
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Arvind Kejriwal, was formed primarily with the aim of eradicating corruption from India. While the party has had some successes, it has been criticized for not bringing about significant reforms, particularly at the state level.
Preliminary Success and Subsequent Failures: Initially, the AAP's claim to reduce corruption in Delhi seemed promising. However, the reality on the ground has been quite different. The state government, while potentially less corrupt than the central or municipal government, still has its flaws. Kejriwal's focus on numbers and superficial actions has been criticized for being inadequate and misguided.
Reforms and Governance: There has been a lack of new models or reforms introduced by the AAP government to address corruption comprehensively. Instead, the focus has been on ensuring services are free or subsidized, a strategy that, while initially popular, has shown inefficiencies as time progresses.
Kejriwal's Governance Model and Its Limitations
Kejriwal's governance model, which prevails in his approach towards public services, is heavily reliant on providing subsidies and making services free. While this method may appear beneficial at first, it has been proven inefficient and burdensome over the past six decades. The sustainability and long-term effectiveness of this model are questionable in the current economic context.
Corruption and Media Criticism: Arvind Kejriwal's handling of corruption allegations has also been scrutinized. Following a 370-page report alleging corruption against Sheila Dixit, the former Chief Minister, Kejriwal’s initial response was to seek support from Congress MLAs to become the Chief Minister of Delhi. Instead of filing a report against her, as one might expect, he was more interested in consolidating political power.
Media and Political Maneuvering: If the AAP had filed an FIR against Sheila Dixit, it would have been a significant political and media story. However, Kejriwal's lack of action in this regard suggests a more focus on political gains than on addressing corruption effectively.
Moreover, recent developments have shown Kejriwal's government is actively involved in corruption. An FIR has been filed against the current Chief Minister, Kejriwal, involving a water tanker scam worth 400 crore rupees.
Conclusion: While there have been some improvements in certain sectors due to systemic changes, the overall impact on reducing corruption in Delhi remains limited. The AAP's focus on providing free services and subsidies may offer short-term benefits but fails to address the root causes of corruption effectively. As Kejriwal contemplates expanding his governance to the national level, the challenges of scaling the current model are significant, and the present situation in Delhi suggests much work remains to be done.