Lokpal Bill not a magical wand to fight corruption : Justice Santosh Hegde

Lokpal Bill not a magical wand to fight corruption : Justice Santosh Hegde

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Oct 26, 2011 : The Senior Citizens’ Association of Mangalore organized a meeting at Karnataka Bank Hall on Oct 25 Tuesday.

Justice Santhosh Hegde, the former Lokayukta, was the chief guest of the event, which was conducted in the presence of Ananthakrishna, the non-executive chairman of Karnataka Bank Ltd.

In his address, Justice Santhosh Hegde spoke of the need for senior citizen’s associations, adding that these organizations help senior citizens lead a busy and active life even after retirement.

Speaking of the importance to fight against corruption, he said that the Lokpal Bill is not a magic cure for corruption, adding that the people of India are known for their tolerance of corruption. Since the common people are unwilling to engage in fights, corrupt politicians can easily get away with illegal activities. He said that it is up to senior citizens to educate the youth about the need to fight against corruption.

Urging associations to give up the practice of inviting corrupt politicians to share the dais just to gain favors from them, he urged the youth to be contemptuous of corrupt politicians. He urged people not to respect such politicians and not to participate in programmes to which corrupt politicians are invited. He also spoke of the importance of understanding the Indian Constitution fully.

Jagadish Rao, the president of the Senior Citizens’ Association, and K. Ramesh Rao, its secretary, were also present.