Let us strive to restore credibility of Constitutional mechanisms: Dr. JP

The nation’s future will be bleak if we cannot restore the credibility and moral authority of constitutional institutions at least in the 62nd year of our Republic, warned Lok Satta Party President Jayaprakash Narayan here today.

Addressing a gathering after unfurling the Tricolor at the party headquarters, Dr. JP pointed out that the Indian judiciary has come under a cloud because of allegations of corruption, legislatures have become battlegrounds for rival parties, governments have become instruments for looting public money and the rule of law is becoming a mirage.

The Lok Satta Party is endeavoring for the constitution of a National Judicial Commission by associating the tallest among the living jurists in its mission. The commission will be entrusted with the task of appointing people of impeccable character to the higher judiciary and sacking errant judges.

Dr. JP said that fighting corruption should be on top of the nation’s agenda. According one estimate, nearly Rs.20 lakh crore of money looted from India has been stashed away abroad and an equal amount invested in India. If the Government is sincere, serious and courageous, the problem could be addressed in three months.

Underlining the need for restoring the rule of law, Dr. JP referred to the cold-blooded murder Mr. Yashwant Sonawane, Additional Collector of Nashik in Maharashtra, and added the kerosene mafia had set on fire not merely a Government official but integrity, sincerity and fearlessness.

Improving the skills of nearly 15 million youth joining the workforce every year and providing them livelihood opportunities is another challenge before the nation.

Dr. JP underlined that the country would not progress unless agriculture is rejuvenated. As of today, 60 percent of people living on agriculture earn a per capita income of Rs.15,000 against Rs.105,000 by their urban counterparts. Unless the Government ensures higher incomes to the rural populace by ensuring market rates to agricultural produce, the economy is bound to stumble.

Mr. D.V.V.S.Varma, Lok Satta Party Working Party President, welcomed Dr. JP.