Mangalore: Corruption figure larger than budget of Karnataka: Justice Santosh Hegde

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (NM)
 
Mangalore, Jan 4: Expressing concerns over the extent of corruption in the country, former Lokayukta Justice N Santosh Hegde on Friday January 3 said, "In India, corruption has grown to a large extent, and in some of the cases it is more than the budget of Karnataka. While the figure of corruption reported in the 2G scam is Rs 1.76 lac crore, the budget of Karnataka is around Rs 1.36 lac crore. Where does the money go, what is the consequence?"

The former Lokayukta of Karnataka was delivering the keynote address at the UGC-sponsored national-level workshop on ‘Role of youth in transforming India – Its challenges and opportunities’. The programme was organized by the sociology and economics forum, School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya in its premises on Friday January 3.
 
Justice Hegde said, “Corruption was born with the birth of civilization. However, today it has grown to a large extent. If in 1950s, the corruption was around Rs 52 lac, it rose to Rs 60 crore in the 80s. If the corruption which took place in the Commonwealth Games was  Rs 17,000 crore, it was about Rs 1.76 lac crore in 2G scam,” he said, adding that the amount is more than the budget of Karnataka. "See the growth of zeros in the amount of corruption," he pointed out.
 
Holding the elderly responsible for the present condition of the country, the former judge asked the youth and the students to inculcate values and ethics in life. He said, “Greed is a disease and is largely contagious. Being materialistic is not important but being humanitarian is. Today, wealth and power are considered as the indicators of success. There is an absolute need to change the social thinking. We have to change the mindset of the people.”
 
The former Supreme Court judge further said, “The leaders in the opposition are compelled to take contrasting stands on any issue due to their affiliation (to their respective party). It is totally wrong. The leaders have to fight against issues and not against each other.”

Former vice-chancellor, Kannur University Dr M Abdul Rahman said, "The educational institutions need to teach moral and ethical lessons to students in addition to providing knowledge. Education should make students think independently. Do not blindly follow elders. Say what is wrong and right."
 
Principal Sophia N Fernandes, registrar Dr Laxminarayan Bhat, convener Dr Malini Mukund, co-ordinator Cicilea Goveas also shared the dais.
 

On AAP Government

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the function, Justice Hegde said, "When BJP did not form the government in Delhi, I always encouraged the Aam Admi Party to take responsibility to form the government. They are bringing a change. No matter if it lasts in the long run or not, what is important is that they are making a difference."

He declined to comment on the re-entry of former CM Yeddyurappa into BJP.