'Jail tourism' may just boost anti-graft spirit

As PM Narendra Modi has promised ‘burey din’ for the corrupt in the coming months of his prime ministership, it may be germane to wonder whether he might take a leaf out of his good friend Chinese President Xi Jinping’s book on the matter.

As they both proceed with their all-out offensive against corruption, China’s ongoing programme of organising jail tours for officials — especially in its provinces — to apprise them of what lies in store if they veer from the straight and narrow, holds promise.

India can also consider guided ‘familiarisation’ tours of the best jails — in this case, the worst — and orientation sessions with relevant inmates for categories of public servants in danger of becoming eligible for accommodation there. China’s other disconcerting habit of summarily executing those found guilty of graft would be more suited for North Korea, of course.

Prison tourism has been trending for a while now, with many countries converting defunct penitentiaries into profitable hotels offering ‘soft time’. Interested parties have also collated information on which countries have the most cushy jails. Sadly, neither of those would act as deterrents. Care must be taken, however, to also ensure that jail excursions do not end up convincing the visitors to become more careful rather than more honest.