Against the background of former President APJ Abdul Kalam expressing doubts over efficacy of Lokpal Bill in curbing corruption, Anna Hazare has observed that the anti-corruption legislation is the need of the hour to nail the corrupt, whereas the long-term solution lies in imparting quality education to children and youth.
Hazare, who embarked on a 35-day long statewide tour from temple town of Shirdi yesterday told a public meeting that he subscribed to Kalam's views that "children and youth can eradicate corruption from the country".
"I agree that corruption can be weeded out if value education is imparted to children, but it will take at least 22 years. In short term, we need Jan Lokpal to boot out corruption," Hazare said.
Kalam had yesterday said in Ranchi that lokpal could only fill up jails and not root out corruption.
"What lokpal will do is if it finds anyone guilty it would put them in jail, and jails will be filled up. What we want is nobody should go to jail ... as we want good human beings," Kalam said while interacting with children in Ranchi.
Terming Kalam's statement as a "long term" solution, Hazare said the Lokpal Bill will work as a "first aid" to nail the corrupt.
"What he (Kalam) said is correct. I have also been saying that every family must become a unit of moral values. It will take over 22 years to see the effect of the virtues children have learnt from their families. However, that is a long-term solution, in short term, we need a first-aid to stop corruption," the Gandhian said.
During his statewide tour, Hazare will interact with the people on the need for a strong Lokayukta Bill and corruption-related issues.
