CPI national secretary D. Raja has written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh saying that a proposal by government’s chief economic adviser to legalise bribery as “dangerous and unethical,” and sought a clarification by the government on the issue.
“I am alarmed by a recent proposal of the chief economic adviser, whereby paying bribes would be made legal. This proposal, made by Prof. Kaushik Basu in a paper posted on the finance ministry’s website, is dangerous and unethical. It is especially objectionable at a time when the entire nation is concerned about the spread of corruption,” Mr Raja said in his letter to Dr Singh.
Demanding the removal of the paper from the official website, Mr Raja said, “At a time when corruption is a major issue for the nation, and when there is a surge of popular resentment against corruption, it is alarming to see the government’s chief economic advisor making superficial comments on this issue and making proposals that would effectively condone corruption.”
“These are bribes paid for something one is entitled to. Prof. Basu argues that if paying harassment bribes were made legal, bribe-givers would have an incentive to blow the whistle. Knowing this, bribe-takers would hesitate to accept bribes,” he said.