Increased role of our citizens in the administrative system with the introduction of new means such as the Right to information Act- Administrators need to understand the Implications and impact of these instruments for effective administration. They must not approach it as an irritant to their day-to-day working, but as something which brings the administrator and the citizen closer. It is a tool for better administration, and not a stick to beat the administration with. All right-thinking administrators will welcome this new means. …

Corruption is not merely a dirty, word. It describes a dirty act. We need to have a policy of zero tolerance towards all acts of corruption- We need to assert that there is no difference between a small act of corruption and major Instances of malfeasance. There is no such thing as petty corruption—there Is corruption, per se. Our state was one of the first to have a Lokayukta, and the institution has done great service. But much more needs to be done. The constructive goal of redressal of public grievances by the Lokayukta also must be understood by us all. It is, especially necessary to encourage honest people, by ensuring that the corrupt do not thrive. Every act of corruption'should be investigated, prosecuted, and punished as quickly as possible. The errant and the guilty must not get protection due to extraneous influences and pressures as unfortunately happens- It )s necessary to strike at the very roots of corruption, for If we allow its tentacles to grow we will be firmly in Its grip, with no way out. This is a very real danger, and not by any means alarmist. Corruption In any walk of life can corrode, decay» and annihilate our democratic system. We can ignore or minimize its evil effects at our own risk. Corruption and unrefuted allegations of misuse of power for self and pelf do shake the faith of ordinary citizens in our democratic system,