Date:29/12/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/12/29/stories/2005122902180200.htm

Back `Corruption pervades all institutions'

Our Bureau

Bangalore , Dec. 28

CORRUPTION has become pervasive in institutions across the country, feels the Chief Mentor of Infosys Technologies, Mr N.R. Narayana Murthy.

Addressing the second international alumni meet of National Institute of Technology, Warangal, Mr Narayana Murthy said, "Our institutions - from Parliament and legislatures to courts and distribution systems - have become pervaded with corruption."

Corruption in India has become the norm, and Indians, Mr Murthy said, spent over Rs 21,000 crore in bribes and illegal payouts in 2004 - close to one per cent of the country's GDP.

"There is a strong incentive for our politicians to maintain the status quo - where the government is not accountable to the public on the most basic issues - by keeping people ignorant and illiterate," he said.

Mr Murthy quoted the example of radio as "an important source of knowledge, news and information, which reaches 27 out of every 100 households in the country."

Yet, there are restrictions on private radio stations in broadcasting news and information programmes.

"There is absolutely no good reason for this restriction. The only reason is they (politicians) do not want the poor people to know what's happening in the country," he said.