Has Corruption Reduced in Delhi Under AAP Regime?

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi has witnessed a notable shift in its political landscape. While the previous regime was criticized for extravagance and nepotism, the AAP government has taken steps towards curbing corruption. Arvind Kejriwal himself, who was previously an IRS officer, brought a set of policies that target corporate entrepreneurs and ensure transparency in governance. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains a point of contention.

Corruption Reduction and Policy Implementation

Corruption can only be curbed if effective anti-corruption measures are implemented. However, the AAP government has fallen short in several areas:

Lack of Implementation of AAP Policies: The AAP government promised to create a new anti-corruption ombudsman called “Lokpal,” but it was never established. Similarly, efforts to expand the existing Anti-Corruption Bureau under Delhi government control were not allowed to progress. Limited Community Mobilization: While the AAP government has launched helpline community mobilization programs, the enforcement mechanism to ensure their implementation remains weak.

To evaluate the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures, it's important to assess the situation category-wise, starting with corruption between individuals and government employees.

Assessing Corruption Category-wise

Category 1: Corruption Between Individual Citizen and Government Employee

The first category to assess involves corruption between individual citizens and government employees. Effective measures include:

Bribery in House-Plan Construction Approval and Deed Transfers: Data on the number of cases involving such bribes should be collected and analyzed. Bribery to Secure Ration Cards, Electricity Connections, Water Connections, and Shop Permits: The frequency and amount of such bribes should be monitored to assess the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures. Bribery at RTO for Car Registration and Driver License: Complaints and cases involving such bribes should be tracked. Bribery to Get Birth Certificates, Hospital Bed, Pension: Cases involving such bribes should be examined to gauge the impact of anti-corruption efforts.

According to my sources, the situation has not improved much compared to before.

Category 2: Corruption Due to Bad Governance

While corruption between individual citizens and government employees is visible, the underlying issue of bad governance and non-transparency in various departments is more concerning. Key areas of focus include:

Unauthorized or Illegal Construction: The number of unauthorized constructions and the time taken to stop them should be monitored. Tax Evasions: Revenue recovery in tax evasion cases can provide insight into the government's efforts. Government Tenders: Transparency in the tendering process and the number of validly approved tenders should be tracked. New Policies: Analysis of new policy implementation and the extent of their effectiveness can help gauge anti-corruption measures. Infrastructure Projects: Comparing the cost of road contracts, flyover projects, and government building projects from 2012 to 2015 can provide a clear picture. Tax and Electricity Evasion:** Tracking the number of raids and amount recovered in cases of tax evasion and electricity theft. Real Estate License Issuance: Ensuring the correct approvals for residential colonies and industrial plots can help curb corruption.

Government Initiatives to Curb Corruption

The effectiveness of government initiatives can be measured by:

New Policies and Approvals: The number of new colonies approved and the diligence of ministers in this process. Regularization of Non-Approved Colonies: Assessing the number of unapproved colonies that have been regularized and the detail of these actions. Fact-Based Evaluations: Evaluating the actions taken by the government and verifying their success through transparent metrics.

Corruption by Elected Representatives

Corruption is not just about financial gain; it also includes moral corruption among elected representatives. The AAP government has not released any substantial data on this issue, despite claims made before the elections. Thus, it is crucial to:

Monitor the Actions of Elected Representatives: Tracking any instances of corruption among MLAs and ministers to ensure accountability. Investigate Misuse of Power: Addressing instances where elected representatives have misused their power for personal gain.

It is vital to assess the government with rationality and through fact-based analysis rather than relying on emotions. The success of anti-corruption measures should be measured through tangible and verifiable data.