India Inc’s Open Letter: a Call to Arms against Corruption and Bribery

On Monday, October 10, a variety of prominent Indian business leaders under the larger title of India Inc released their second open letter to the Indian government. This letter argues for the need to make striking changes to India’s legislation regarding bribery and corruption. It was written with an eye toward a newly proposed law called the Lokpal Bill which has been discussed extensively over the past year and is expected to be formally presented before India’s parliament in the near future. This bill intends to fight corruption by creating an ombudsman-style body with the power to investigate corruption in the government and consider citizens’ complaints.

The advancement of the Lokpal Bill is the result of a push for action over both the short and long terms. Over the past few years there has been a popular call for change underscored by allegations that India’s telecommunications minister sold mobile phone licenses to the highest bidder in 2008. However, passing a bill of this kind is by no means a new idea for India. According to The Times of India, Indian policymakers have unsuccessfully attempted to implement an investigatory organization of this kind a total of ten times over the last 40 years including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s concerted effort in 2004 which was subsequently blocked by powerful lobbying groups.

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