See the Lokpal Bill as work in progress, reform of political funding remains key

That the amended Lokpal Bill has been passed by Parliament would seem to be a step towards the larger goal of probity in politics and governance. In principle, no one can argue against having an independent anti-corruption ombudsman in a country where corruption remains endemic.

But it has taken all this time to get around to some consensus because of political reluctance as well as demands that the Lokpal be some sort of overarching, ultra-Constitutional watchdog.

This amended version of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill seems to be more balanced, mindful of having a body with some independence, credibility and teeth, while not creating a super-body supplanting other institutions. But the question is whether this will be enough to combat corruption by implanting a framework for institutional accountability.

This Bill, to fully achieve the larger purpose behind it, must be seen as part of other measures that need to be taken in tandem. That would mean legislation like the Grievance Redress Bill and the Whistle Blower's Protection Bill, among others, would also need to be passed by Parliament.

The whole conception of the citizen's charter, that of empowering citizens of India with a comprehensive accountability framework, would remain incomplete if the Lokpal becomes just another institution dealing with corruption. Rather, this is to be seen as a work in progress until the basic cause of corruption in India's polity is addressed: that of reforming political funding.

As long as political parties continue to collect and spend funds in an unaccountable fashion, corruption in other walks of life in India will continue. Parties collecting and disbursing money thus enables politicians to be corrupt, which, in turn, suborns the bureaucracy and governance. Simply, reforming campaign finance would be the single most important measure against combating corruption.

Look at the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi. Whatever critics might say, making its funding transparent is one reason the party has scared established players. This must become the norm, not the exception.