Reading the comments, what comes to my mind is people are misled on the Janlokpal features. Some myths I see
a) It investigates, prosecutes and gives judgement :
>>>>>> Completely false. Jan Lokpal has powers to investigate the corruption and make a case and from there on Judiciary takes on. Where this body will succeed where CBI fails is that this is going to be independent and hence doesnt fear/favor anyone in government. Remember in Raja's case, CBI was doing nothing for couple years till SCourt rapped them.
b) Creates Oligarchy: - meaning seperate body of super powers
>>>>>There are good amount of checks and balances. After every case is completed ( Janlokpal requires closure in 2 years), the details are published to the public. Hence any wrong doings on any investigation can easily be found by public, media, politicians, judiciary.
Hence its activities are completely ACCOUNTABLE to public.
In addition Janlokpal is required to be transparent in its proceedings through regular updates ( info which doesnt compromises investigation). Result - Totally TRANSPARENT process
Now compare this with CBI's dodged manner of investigation in Bofors and release of Quotrachi's assets. No one has clue why CBI was sitting idle without any appeal for months. [Ofcourse we all know Sonia's clout on this gov]
When such accountability and transparency is implemented, the changes of this body is very less. Even if something goes wrong, its brought to public notice at the earliest ( not change of govts as it happens now) and acted upon
c) Who will ensure this body is not corrupt?
>>>Valid question, reflects our distrust to any public body. Any public person can raise complaint against any member of the lokpal in Supreme Court and the court should take this case and investigate and complete in timebound manner ( x months, dont recollect the figure).
Now tell me, in current setup, you find CBI officer corrupt or Chief Eclection COmmissioner corrupt, do you've any means to prosecute them ---nah. You get into details, you soon realise that the Team Anna was thought through every detail and framed up a strong bill
d) How can this body control 1.2 crore govt babus/politicos
>>>This body is not to monitor their activities on daily basis but only on corruption complaints. The very implementation of the lokpal bill and its stringent punishments will automatically induce fear among babu's and most will stop it.(I hope). Now lets say that doesnt happen, we need a large body of investigating officers and the expenditure thereof.....You dont need external funds, but more corruption this body prevents, more savings the government has in its kitty and it can fund this Lokpal body. Remember roughly 75% is ciphoned off due to corruption, before it reaches the public. Now imagine what magic this 75% savings can do.
e) Its the public which fuelled corruption / We Indians are basically corrupt:
>>>>There are 3 kinds of people - 5% who will be honest irrespective of the environment, 90% - who ride the tide - good example is how desis who bribe here but become honest with go abroad and 5% - who will be always corrupt irrespective of the envornment.
The 90% populace easily can be made honest, when you provide such a system to them. Rarely you see a desi going extra mile to get his work done quick in US, since he knows system there doesnt allow it.
f) Center cant create Lokayuktas. ONly states should do it.
>>>I Agree on this on paper, but tell me, are you ready to fight it in each state. We are looking at getting this done in 20+ states where no lokayktas exist. This is clear case of divide and rule employed by Congress.
Also, this ends up in different states having its own version of Lokayukta ( which is currently the case with 5-6 states having Ayukta). What the Janlokpal bill requires a uniform implementation through the country..
As a humble protestor, if we dont push this bill through this time, we will never get another chance.
Good thing about this movement is that it took the politicians by surprise, but now awake, do you think politicians will give us a second chance. [ Do you know 13 RTI activists killed this year so far?]
f) Parliament is Supreme/Against democracy:
>>>>All these are glorified terms/institutions of the core coonstitution 'We, the people'. Remember its the people that matter, not these symbols.
That said, the democracy, we elect 'Representative'. Note that we dont a Maharaja, but a 'Representative' who should represent the people wishes. Now tell me, when such huge movement is happening, did any MP visited his constituency and seeked opinion ? None. So what kind of democracy we are running.
We didnt give license to these MPs to present their personal views or party's views. They are there for the people
Guys, think of this : What does this 74 year old and his associates trying to gain by this. Next election? Suitcases?. Nope.
Lets give this team a chance.