GUWAHATI, May 20 � Gandhian and anti-graft campaigner Anna Hazare today appealed to the youths of the country to radiate positive energy against corruption and take active part in anti-corruption crusade, which he terms as the �movement for real independence�.
�I get inspiration seeing youths joining the anti-corruption movement in a massive way. Youths are the ones who can change the complexion of the nation and make it a better place to live in,� Hazare said addressing the �Rally Against Corruption� at the Assam Engineering Institute playground organised by Krishak Mukti Sangram Samity (KMSS).
He also advocated the need for a change in the election system demanding the �right to reject� privilege for the voters while exercising their franchise.
�The Government after coming to power should not nurture the notion that they cannot be ousted till another five years. People of the country can do it as and when they desire,� he stated, apparently referring to the Tarun Gogoi-led Congress Government, who managed to secure clear mandate in the elections in spite of being levelled with several corruption charges ahead of the polls.
�The country achieved its freedom in 1947 ousting the colonial rule but corruption continued to prevail. The only change was that the black has replaced the white,� said the Gandhian who is spearheading anti-graft movement across the country demanding implementation of the Jan Lokpal Bill, the draft of which is being prepared by a joint committee.
�This is just the beginning of the second independence movement of the country. It is a long battle we need to fight and in pursuit of a corruption-free society, we should not even fear to go to jail. If require, we would launch Jail Bharo Andolan. This is how we can serve the nation and humanity as a whole,� opined Hazare.
�Until we create a corruption-free nation, the movement will continue,� he stated.
Advocating the need to rest more power on Gram Sabha in Assam and rest of the country, he said he would replicate anti-corruption movement across the country.
Earlier, retired IPS officer and social activist Kiran Bedi said that Anna Hazare�s movement is aimed at bringing honesty and transparency in the system and to make the Government accountable for every penny spent.
�The Government should always be kept on its toes and it should be compelled to follow the path of honesty. The Jan Lokpal Bill is aimed at having an independent anti-corruption authority to investigate corruption charges against the Government,� Bedi said.
Bedi also threw her weight behind the appointment of Lokayukta in Assam, which she feels will ensure development with security and peace.
�Without peace there cannot be any development. The Lokayukta will be appointed within this year and with Lokpal Bill at the Centre, effective policing of tax payers� money could be done,� Bedi said.
�As per a recent research, only Rs 16 out of Rs 100 is being spent on the people. We need 100 per cent accountability,� Bedi said, adding, �Even bureaucrats would be encompassed by the Bill.�
Renowned RTI activist Arvind Kejriwal informed that once the Lokpal Bill is passed, an independent body would be able to tighten the noose on those indulging in corrupt practices be it Supreme Court judges, Ministers or anyone.
�Within two years, the trial of any corruption charge would be completed and necessary action will be taken. Provisions are also there to guard the interest of the complainants,� Kejriwal said, while throwing light on the provisions of the Lokpal Bill.
�We do not think the Government will easily approve the Bill but we are committed to fight it out,� he asserted.
Swami Agnivesh, while addressing the rally, said, �I had taken part in the historic Assam movement and unfortunately those who spearheaded the movement could not live up to the expectations of the people and those at the helm of affairs were never part of it.�
Agnivesh further informed that the draft of the Lokpal Bill will be prepared by June 30 and should be passed before August 15 this year.
KMSS general secretary and peasant leader Akhil Gogoi also spoke on the occasion.
