Agra: Inspired by Anna Hazare's iconic campaign against corruption Agra Police have launched an honesty drive - a collective vow against bribery. The police organised a function at police parade ground a week ago led by DIG Asim Arun.
"We could see that people all around us were crying for change and they were looking at us and we experienced that every constable and all up and down the ladder wanted change," said Mr Asim.
There's already a visible change on the streets of Agra.
Some illegal shop extensions in busy markets have been removed, making it easier for people to walk and park their vehicles.
"I never thought this would happen in this lifetime. It's general practice in Agra that tourists are chased by touts and handicraft sellers. Now the police is quick to catch and tourists are happy," said Rajeev Tiwari, president of federation of travel association.
Before the no-bribe pledge of the Agra police, Mr Asim had called his staff for a meeting to find out why they took or gave bribes.
"We had a meeting for four hours where every rank was encouraged to speak. Everybody opened hearts and told stories; one constable told how he had to pay bribe to get his son in the police forces," he said.
The outcome of the meeting was nothing short of inspirational. The policemen readily agreed to take the pledge to shun all corrupt practices.
What's more, this unique initiative has inspired officials in the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and commercial tax department to follow suit.
Anna's fast has rested, but his voice resonates in the actions of many - some are taking oaths while others are wearing caps. Significantly, this is Anna's impact on people fight against corruption.
"We could see that people all around us were crying for change and they were looking at us and we experienced that every constable and all up and down the ladder wanted change," said Mr Asim.
There's already a visible change on the streets of Agra.
Some illegal shop extensions in busy markets have been removed, making it easier for people to walk and park their vehicles.
"I never thought this would happen in this lifetime. It's general practice in Agra that tourists are chased by touts and handicraft sellers. Now the police is quick to catch and tourists are happy," said Rajeev Tiwari, president of federation of travel association.
Before the no-bribe pledge of the Agra police, Mr Asim had called his staff for a meeting to find out why they took or gave bribes.
"We had a meeting for four hours where every rank was encouraged to speak. Everybody opened hearts and told stories; one constable told how he had to pay bribe to get his son in the police forces," he said.
The outcome of the meeting was nothing short of inspirational. The policemen readily agreed to take the pledge to shun all corrupt practices.
What's more, this unique initiative has inspired officials in the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and commercial tax department to follow suit.
Anna's fast has rested, but his voice resonates in the actions of many - some are taking oaths while others are wearing caps. Significantly, this is Anna's impact on people fight against corruption.
No comments:
Post a Comment