Public memory is proverbially very short. When the election atmosphere was hotting up some opposition leaders raised the issue of large amounts of hard earned money of India stealthily stashed in Swiss banks. Now, when the election is over, that issue also has been given a quiet and unacknowledged burial. Ruling party, having assumed power once again has happily settled on the seat of power. Opposition has also conveniently forgotten its pre-election demand of a thorough probe into the black deeds of our black sheep in the black business of black money. People, who are perceived as having short memory, have also forgotten the issue completely.
This issue rocked the Indian parliament last March, not once but twice. The revelation was quite shocking that the rich Indians have deposits worth $1450 billion in secret Swiss accounts. Compare it with the amount of Indian government’s budget which is around $250 billion. It means the black money deposits are more than enough to run our country for next five years.
This is our money stolen from our economy by illegal means and tax evasion. It was money produced by our labourers and workers with their sweat and blood. No matter who illegally got and claims to own it, it belongs to our people. This wealth should be utilised for uplifting more than 75% of our population which earns less than Rs 20 a day. This money should have been a part of our economy which needs it for developing basic infrastructure, financing projects and supporting our economy. Had it been invested in our country, it could have completely freed us from the burden of foreign debt, besides giving a boost to our economy.
Transparency International counts us among the most corrupt nations. Our Swiss deposits also confirm this dubious distinction. Our tax evaders and rich have deposited unbelievably large amount of $1450 billion. Should these wealthy Indian elites be regarded as patriots or anti-nationals of worst sort? They sucked the lifeblood of poor Indians and handed it over to the Shylocks of world to strengthen their diabolical schemes of dominating the earth.
The government should embark on strenuous efforts to unearth the real quantity of these deposits and mount all out efforts to bring back the money to India. As estimated 80,000 Indians visit Switzerland annually. The government should keep an eye and find out the black sheep among them. Media is also expected to be vigilant and play a pro-active role in freeing our country from the sharks of exploitation and corruption. International community also has to play a leading role in stopping flight of capital from poor and developing countries to rich countries.