Corruption has once again emerged as arguably the foremost concern of the Indian people. Not a week passes without some scam being unearthed in some corner of the country. These scams could be related to any department of any government, but as easily they could also involve the top brass of the Army, venerable judges of the apex judiciary or top officials of premier institutions of scientific research. While the pecuniary gains involved in these scams may not always be obvious or easily measurable, all scams slaughter public good for private gain in utter disregard for the fundamental notions of fair play and justice. Given the frequency, range and magnitude of these scams, one can easily say that corruption today is certainly no aberration; it is a hallmark of governance in the corporate era.

Paradoxically enough, the lengthening list of scams in India is matched by an even longer list of probes by different agencies, yet India is yet to see an example of a guilty being brought to justice by the system. The list of cases in which investigations petered out and the culprits got away is endless. A major reason for this impunity enjoyed by the corrupt, especially the corrupt in high places, is the inherent hollowness of the existing anti-corruption mechanisms in our country.

Any meaningful and consistent campaign against corruption must therefore have two prongs. It should challenge the policy regime and political environment in which corruption is thriving. At the same time it should also fight for an effective anti-corruption mechanism so the corrupt can be brought to justice.

How to unravel the web of corruption that has the whole country in its grip? This is a question that grips every Indian citizen, and has inspired a powerful anti-corruption movement in recent times. What should be the future direction and goals of this movement? How can the people’s movement against corruption consolidate its initial victory in the struggle for a Jan Lokpal Bill, and strike at the policies that are at the root of corruption?

This booklet is an attempt to address some of these questions and concerns: we hope it inspires you to intensify the struggle for a country free from corruption!