There have been explosive disclosures made by Mr. Arvind
Kejriwal in last few weeks. Some of the allegations, if correct, makes one
wonder if comments made by Mr. Robert Vadra describing India as Banana republic
were indeed not utterly absurd.
One such allegation drew my attention last week. This relates to an
allegation about a driver, Manohar of a powerful politician, Mr. Nitin Gadkari,
being the director of many allegedly “bogus” companies. It did not surprise me.
It has been common for powerful officials and politicians to have “benami”
properties in the name of their relatives, friends and other confidants. This
seems to be an outdated short cut now to make illegal wealth without getting noticed
by law agencies. With the growth of Indian economy, at least two things have
changed in this “unscrupulous” model. Law agencies now include tracking of the
relatives and friends of suspects. As a result, drivers and other “less educated”
and unsuspecting characters have been given this responsibility now. The other
change signifies growth of corporate culture in the country. The “benamis” are
not only “Real estate”, “Cash” or ”Jewellery”, but also ownership of “benami”
companies. These private companies then may act as cover for illegal money
transfers.
There are other added advantages of having less educated and
poor assistants or servants to own ones’ “benami” properties. Due to change (or
decline) in social and family values in our country, it is no longer safe to
trust your close relatives. These relatives are well aware of the nature of the
property and once they become hostile, there is not much one can do to snatch
it back. Political compulsions may also not allow to use force in such cases.
On the other hand, poor servants and assistants like drivers normally are not
very well educated. They may not even know/understand if they own something valuable
as only their names are being used in most cases. These poor people will also
remain loyal for their proximity to powerful masters and it gives them job
security as well. They are content with the regular salary, facilities and
occasional gratitude showered by their masters from time to time. The social
status of being close to a powerful man comes as a bonus. They are normally not
visible to law enforcing agencies and can be easily disposed of, if situation
so demands. In case they dare to turn hostile, there are ways to deal with them
using muscle power without being suspected. Overall apparently win-win
situation for both powerful masters and poor servants.
But…..this cannot be a true picture of a growing economy. The whole world is watching the tremendous progress India has made in
terms of economic growth. How one can explain such a “retro” and “derogatory” view
about Indian society and polity? Indeed, there are glorious stories of Indian lower
and middle class outperforming and giving thrust to Indian economy. I cannot resist
but mention the story of another driver Manohar (name changed), who retired as
a millionaire from Infosys. The then Infosys Chairman gifted few shares and
offered ESOPs (Employee Stock Options) to his driver, Manohar along with other
drivers, office assistants and secretaries in early nineties. With tremendous IT growth, low and middle
class employees went on to become millionaires. The idea of sharing wealth
with all sections of Indian society was thus achieved in true sense by
progressive and democratic corporate culture. Indian corporates showed a way to
others the true potential of Indians. It is rather shameful that some sections
have chosen to ignore it. The “Infosys” Manohar will be able to provide better
education and values to his children. He will be able to choose his career
independently. He will earn higher social status. He will live with self-respect
and dignity. The “Benami” Manohar may continue to live in poverty and will be
dependent on his masters to provide education to his children. His children
will take inspiration from him and will probably continue to carry the burden
of their parents’ loyalty to powerful masters. Realising that their identity is
solely dependent on their association with powerful masters, there will be
little option to look for other career opportunities independently. Even if
they try, no one would probably dare to employ them fearing the wrath of powers
that be.
The tale of two Manohars can not be completed fairly without
mention of some progressive steps taken by Indian politicians. It is the power
of RTI (Right to Information) act which enabled these disclosures. Not sure how
history will remember Dr. Manmohan Singh, but he will be surely remembered for the
RTI act, which was introduced and passed under his leadership- He only needs to
resist the pressure from some quarters to dilute this act.
Having said that, it is not going to take very long that
these unscrupulous elements will realise the futility of making money illegally
in vibrant, progressive and awakened India, where there are ample opportunities
to make money honestly.
- Sandeep
