Public servants are now public masters

BANGALORE: Former Lokayukta Justice N Santosh Hegde said that in a democracy, those who were supposed to be called as ‘public servants’ are acting like ‘public masters’, which is very unfortunate.Speaking at the annual day celebrations at Gupta College on Wednesday here, he said, “When Indian Constitution was formed in 1950, it was defined as ‘by the people of the people for the people’. There was 40 crore population in India then, and those who became ministers in state as well as Central government called themselves as ‘public servants’ and they worked according to it. Even bureaucrats had similar intention. This situation prevailed for the first two decades after its formation.” Now, the same people who are contesting elections have become public masters after they win elections, which is unfortunate. In democracy, public is ultimate. But hardly any politicians or bureaucrats follow it.” Explaining the figures involved in irregularities,  Justice Hegde said that six decades ago, if someone took  `100 bribe, there were two zeroes. “Now in the recent 3G scam, which accounts to  `1,76,000 crore, one can not tell how many zeroes are involved. This is a shame. Of the total amount released for public welfare, not even 10 per cent reaches the beneficiaries. If we utilise the same amount for development, one can imagine India in the world map,” he said.Further, Justice Hegde urged students to change their mindset. “If you do not change your mind set against corruption, you are the people who will suffer later,” he said. He said that he has been invited as chief guest at more than 360 schools and colleges, where he spoke and interacted with student community about anti corruption.  Gupta Education Trust Chairperson Indira Gupta, Director of Gupta College B S Gupta , Dean Ambashankar and Principal G R Sudhakara were present.