We chose parliamentary democracy with secular character for this great country as the system of governance. But the fruits of democracy, development and growth are being shared by a few privileged people and for the great majority these things are still ‘sour grapes’.
Democracy apparently brought power to the people but in reality the power is usurped by the powerful. Freedom brought liberation from colonialism, but the colonial powers are being invited again under the pretext of globalization supposedly to boost the economy. They have already established their strong roots everywhere. Strategic areas have been freely let open to them. The SEZs, FDI, Nuclear Agreement 123 are a few examples. Corporate culture has given an artificial face lift to urban areas at the cost of rural development. Law is bent 180 degree for the multinationals and giant companies. But it is harsh for the common man. Despite abundance of natural resources, general masses are pushed to deep poverty. Thousands of farmers are driven to suicides every year. Agony of urban middle class and the poor is indescribable.
Our ruling class suffers from acute moral degradation. Unmindful of the people’s grievances it is busy in amassing as much wealth as it can. Scams and scandals are rising like mushrooms amounting to astronomical figures of lakhs of crores rupees. Common Wealth Games scam and telecommunication scam at Centre and KIADB scam in our state are the latest additions to the long list. Our political parties are busy in infighting and threatening to expose each other. The top brass of the country responsible for the welfare of the people is involved in these scams. The ambition of ‘welfare state’ is still a distant dream, rather a mirage.
Introspection of the whole system is the need of the hour. We badly need a complete socio political transformation. Any changes required in our political system to make the country a real and vibrant democracy shall be carried out. Men at the helm of affairs should be made answerable and accountable in true sense. Values should be taught and practiced at various levels. The criteria for selection to the responsible positions should compulsorily include honesty, sincerity, righteousness and integrity. Corrupt practices and corruption should be dealt iron handedly. The ongoing investigations should be taken to their logical conclusions. Regardless of their stature and affiliations, the guilty should be punished severely. Necessary amendment should be carried out in Prevention of Corruption Act.
God consciousness is the most effective tool to curb the menace of corruption when the stick of law also fails. It alone creates a sense of accountability before the Almighty and helps man to abstain from the forbidden things.
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, with all the resources at its disposal is constantly trying to promote these values in the society. It aims to transform individuals, society and the state at large. It offers its cooperation to others on this front. Let us strive to make the individuals pious, the society healthy and the state a true welfare state.