India Inc rallies behind Anna Hazare in the anti-corruption movement

NEW DELHI: A number of Indian industrialists joined the swelling ranks of Anna Hazare's followers, backing the Gandhian social activist's demand for a new body to tackle corruption.

On Friday, Godrej Group chairman Adi Godrej, Bajaj Auto chairman Rahul Bajaj, Kotak Mahindra Bank vice-chairman & managing director Uday Kotak and Biocon chairman & managing director Kiran Mazumdar Shaw voiced their support for the ongoing protests.

"It's great that somebody like Anna has taken up this cause and ignited and unleashed this energy among the youth," said Shaw.

Another group of industrialists comprising Jamshyd Godrej, Anu Aga, Keshub Mahindra and Azim Premji had written an open letter to the prime minister, calling for the appointment of an anti-corruption ombudsman and voicing concern over a perceived governance deficit.

Rahul Bajaj said there has to be a democratic framework to elect members to the drafting committee for the new anti-corruption law. Referring to Anna Hazare's fast-unto-death protest on the issue, he said, "If something happens to him, it's not good for anybody. There has to be a decision in a day or two."

Industrialists said a face like Hazare was needed to lead such a huge movement against corruption that is eradicating inclusive growth in India.

Punj Lloyd chairman Atul Punj said his support to Anna Hazare is first as an Indian, then as an industrialist. "It's the evolution of our society," he said.

Adi Godrej said most Indians now realise that corruption and lack of transparency is bad for economic growth. "If we improve in these directions, economic growth will improve and it will benefit the whole country," he said.

There is a broader issue of governance in the country that is coming up and acknowledged by all, said Uday Kotak. "To the extent that corruption has affected the government, there is a price that the country is paying. Both the government and the civil society need to work together to build a corrupt free India," he said.

Maruti Suzuki chairman RC Bhargava said if the corruption cancer spreads then economic growth or the ability to give people a good life will suffer. "It demoralises the honest guy if he finds corruption is actually paying. So any step that leads towards curbing corruption is important," he said.

Hero Group's Sunil Munjal said the recent scandals have made people sit up, take notice and say enough is enough. "We need to fix the problem and this movement is a sign of that," he said. Tata Steel vice-chairman B Muthuraman said corruption is a major concern and there is a need to weed it out. "Any country with good governance and transparency in practices will attract more investments as well," he said.