Chapter 89: Ch.88: The Fight against Corruption, Begins!!
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Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, Bharat, May 15, 1946
Aryan and Dr. Ambedkar settled into their discussion of key points in the Act for eradicating corruption from Bharat, the weight of their responsibilities evident in their expressions. Aryan began, "Dr. Ambedkar, the Unified Accountability and Integrity Act (UAIA) is a cornerstone of our vision for a corruption-free Bharat. After the success in passing the act from the Parliament, we need to swiftly form a dedicated department as mentioned in the act. The earliest and most effective establishment of the Unified Accountability Commission (UAC) is extremely crucial."
Dr. Ambedkar nodded, his eyes reflecting determination. "Indeed, Mr. President. The UAC, as an independent body, will ensure transparency and accountability across all branches of government. Its composition, with representatives from the judiciary, public administration, and civil society, will bring diverse perspectives and expertise."
Aryan leaned forward, thinking about the plans he had made long ago to eliminate the hurdles in the effectiveness of the laws and improvements he sought to bring in Bharat. Corruption was rampant in the country, with most institutions in the newly independent nation still bearing shadows from the British colonial era. He had seen firsthand examples of these malpractices, especially in the bureaucracy, which hampered many of his previous efforts as the interim President to reach the beneficiaries. Situations often required his direct intervention to ensure that benefits reached those in need and not the hands of corrupt individuals. Thus, with the passage of this bill and the formation of the ombudsman department, his vow in the elections to eradicate this hurdle in effective administration was progressing well. He knew that with Dr. Ambedkar's help in establishing the UAC and the massive amount of intelligence and evidence he had already gathered with the help of intelligence agencies and KAVACH, the eradication of corruption from Bharat was imminent.
While thinking about this, Aryan continued his discussion on key points of the act with Dr. Ambedkar, "Dr. Ambedkar, while we establish the department, we need to be careful in our approach to the appointment of the members. I think the appointment process mentioned in the act, involving a bipartisan National Oversight Committee, will ensure that the UAC remains impartial. Also, a fixed six-year term for its members will prevent undue influence and ensure continuity."
Dr. Ambedkar agreed with Aryan and further added, "Yes, Mr. President, also the UAC's jurisdiction will be comprehensive, covering the executive, legislative, judiciary, and even state and local governments. This ensures that no one is above the law. The inclusion of the private sector, especially those involved in government contracts, is a significant step towards holistic accountability."
Aryan's voice grew more passionate as he highlighted the powers of the proposed new department of UAC. "I think the most interesting part of the act is the investigative powers of the UAC, including suo motu investigations and the ability to summon documents and interrogate officials, which are essential for effective oversight. Furthermore, the establishment of anti-corruption courts will expedite the adjudication of cases, ensuring swift justice." The powers granted by the act to the UAC will enable Aryan to expedite the evidence and intelligence he had gathered on the corrupt individuals in the country to the UAC and remove them from their position and instead bring in more capable and loyal people. So naturally, he was interested in this part of the act the most.
Dr. Ambedkar's eyes gleamed with approval. "Yes, and from what I have observed and experienced, whistleblower protection is another critical aspect. Ensuring anonymity and safety for those who report corruption will encourage more people to come forward. The grievance redressal mechanism, with a centralized online portal, will make it easier for citizens to lodge complaints and track their progress."
Aryan, thinking about the future roles of the UAC, continued, his tone earnest. "Hmm, in fact, as we move forward, the advisory role of the UAC, proposing systemic reforms and advising on ethical conduct, will help us build a more transparent and accountable governance framework. The structure, with national and state-level commissions, ensures that accountability is maintained at all levels."
Dr. Ambedkar agreed, "Yes, and the checks and balances in the UAIA, including executive oversight, impeachment safeguards, and judicial accountability, will prevent misuse of power. The enhanced independence of the UAC, with direct funding from a Constitutionally Protected Fund, ensures that it operates without interference."
Aryan smiled, the feeling of accomplishment washing over him. "With the UAIA, we are laying the foundation for a corruption-free Bharat. It will ensure that our nation's growth and development are not hampered by corrupt practices."
Dr. Ambedkar's voice was filled with conviction. "I am honored to be part of this journey, Mr. President. We will work tirelessly to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and integrity."
After the discussion was completed, Aryan and Dr. Ambedkar shook hands, sealing their commitment to a corruption-free Bharat. Aryan signed the Unified Accountability and Integrity Act (UAIA), marking its immediate implementation.
In the following days, Aryan and Dr. Ambedkar, along with the Cabinet ministers, worked diligently to establish the Unified Accountability Commission (UAC). The urgency of their mission was palpable, and they left no stone unturned to ensure the commission's swift formation.
Aryan, leveraging the intelligence agencies and the secret spy organization KAVACH, began forwarding the gathered intelligence and evidence of corrupt practices to the newly formed UAC. The evidence spanned across the country's administrative, judicial, and local levels, highlighting the pervasive nature of corruption.
The newly appointed Committee of the UAC, composed of representatives from the judiciary, public administration, and civil society, worked tirelessly. They initiated investigations, summoned documents, and interrogated officials. The anti-corruption courts, established under the UAIA, expedited the adjudication of cases, ensuring swift justice.
Whistleblowers, now protected under the new act, came forward in greater numbers, providing crucial information that further fueled the UAC's efforts. The centralized online portal for grievance redressal became a vital tool for citizens to lodge complaints and track their progress, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.
As the UAC's actions began to take effect, corrupt individuals across various sectors were removed from their positions, making way for more capable and loyal people. The advisory role of the UAC also started to shape systemic reforms, advising on ethical conduct and proposing measures to prevent future corruption.
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One such dramatic moment unfolded in the bustling office of a high-ranking official in the Department of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Rajesh Verma, who had been embezzling government funds and had connections with powerful political figures and police officers. The UAC, armed with irrefutable evidence and the authority granted by the President, coordinated with the CBI to bring him to justice.
The door to Mr. Verma's office burst open as CBI officers, led by Inspector Raghav, stormed in. Mr. Verma, a man in his late fifties with a stern face, looked up in shock.
Inspector Raghav, upon entering and warning him not to move or resist as he was surrounded immediately by the CBI officers, in a cold authoritative voice told him the reasons for this whole ordeal. "Mr. Rajesh Verma, you are under arrest for embezzlement of government funds and corruption."
Mr. Verma, rising from his chair, trying to maintain his composure replied in a threatening manner, not even regarding that he can be arrested or harmed due to his strong connections. "This is outrageous! Do you know who I am? I have powerful friends who will not stand for this!"
Inspector Raghav, unfazed, replied, "Your connections won't save you this time, Mr. Verma. We have solid evidence against you and your associates. The UAC and CBI are here to ensure justice is served."
As Mr. Verma tried to protest, two officers moved swiftly, handcuffing him. His face turned pale as he realized the gravity of the situation. The CBI officers began searching his office, uncovering incriminating documents and monetary evidence.
Mr. Verma, desperately trying to get out of the situation as he thought of his lawyer friend, said, "You can't do this! I demand to speak to my lawyer!"
Inspector Raghav, unmoved, replied to him, "You will have your chance, Mr. Verma. But for now, you are coming with us."
As Mr. Verma was dragged out of his office, his colleagues watched in stunned silence. The news of his arrest spread quickly, sending shockwaves through the political and administrative circles. The UAC, with its newfound powers, had struck a significant blow against corruption.
The anti-corruption courts, established under the UAIA, expedited the adjudication of Mr. Verma's case. The evidence presented was overwhelming, and he, along with his powerful associates, faced swift justice. With many such cases appearing and swiftly handled with proper procedure, the news channels and newspapers buzzed with activity as the whole nation watched as the UAC dismantled the entrenched corruption, making way for a brighter, corruption-free future for Bharat.
Aryan and Dr. Ambedkar's vision of a transparent and accountable governance framework was becoming a reality, laying the foundation for a brighter, corruption-free future for Bharat.
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