Transparency

Transparency encompasses a person’s authentic introspection about their actions, promoting sincerity within oneself. Moreover, transparency also applies to institutions, requiring them to exhibit open and observable behavior that aligns with their fundamental values and beliefs.

• Transparency plays a pivotal role in business performance, surpassing mere compliance and social responsibility.
• It entails granting recipients complete access to desired information, even when uncomfortable, and embodies honesty and open communication.
• To promote transparency, individuals and organizations must act in alignment with their values and confront challenging issues.
• Creating an environment of transparency requires ensuring that employees feel physically, financially, and emotionally secure, and have a personal connection with their leaders.
• An exemplary demonstration of strategic transparency is Johnson & Johnson’s management of the 1982 Tylenol crisis, highlighting the significance of aligning actions with values.

Johnson & Johnson’s handling of the 1982 Tylenol crisis

In the midst of the 1982 Tylenol crisis, Johnson & Johnson found themselves facing a grave situation as seven individuals in the Chicago area lost their lives due to consuming cyanide-contaminated Tylenol capsules. This tragic event instilled widespread fear and panic among consumers, raising serious doubts about the safety and reliability of over-the-counter medications.

In a swift and resolute response to the crisis, Johnson & Johnson took immediate action to safeguard public safety and restore consumer confidence. They boldly launched a nationwide recall of all Tylenol capsules, an unprecedented move at that time. Concurrently, they worked closely with law enforcement and health authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the tampering incidents and identify the source of the contamination.

In addition to their proactive steps, the company initiated an extensive public relations campaign to inform the public about the recall and the measures being undertaken to address the situation. Through various communication channels such as press releases, media interviews, and advertisements, they openly shared updates with the public. James Burke, the CEO at that time, personally appeared in public to assure consumers of their commitment to resolving the issue and preventing similar incidents in the future.

As part of their commitment to product safety, Johnson & Johnson introduced tamper-resistant packaging for all their over-the-counter medications, setting a new industry standard. This proactive approach not only addressed the immediate crisis but also demonstrated the company’s dedication to consumer safety and transparency.

Through their prompt and transparent actions, Johnson & Johnson successfully regained the trust and credibility of consumers. The crisis management exhibited during the Tylenol incident has since become a renowned case study, influencing how companies respond to similar challenges in the pharmaceutical industry and other sectors.

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Measures that promote transparency in India:

• The Right to Information (RTI) Law: The RTI law empowers citizens to access information from government authorities, ensuring openness and responsibility in the administration.
• Digital Platforms and Mobile Apps: Various government departments and agencies have developed digital portals and mobile applications to provide easy access to information, services, and data, enhancing transparency and public accessibility.
• E-Governance Initiatives: E-governance initiatives have streamlined government processes, reducing bureaucratic delays, and promoting transparency in delivering services.
• Open Budgets: The government’s practice of publishing detailed budgets, expenditure reports, and financial statements enables citizens to monitor public spending, ensuring fiscal transparency.
• Protection for Whistleblowers: Whistleblower protection laws encourage individuals to report corruption and malpractices without fear of retaliation, fostering transparency and accountability in public offices.
• Independent Public Audits: Regular audits of government accounts and projects by independent auditors provide transparency and aid in identifying financial irregularities.
• Involving Citizens Through Public Consultation: Engaging citizens through public consultations on policies, projects, and legislative matters fosters transparency in decision-making and governance.
• Public Disclosure of Assets: Requiring public officials to disclose their assets and liabilities promotes transparency and combats corruption.
• Online Grievance Redressal Mechanisms: Online platforms for citizens to register complaints and grievances facilitate transparency and efficient resolution of public issues.
• Freedom of the Media: A free and independent media plays a crucial role in exposing corruption and holding the government accountable, contributing to transparency and good governance.

By implementing these measures and fostering a culture of openness, India can continue its progress towards becoming a more transparent and accountable society.

Action taken to improve the transparency

• Public Disclosure of Assets by Public Officials: Various laws and guidelines mandate public officials, including politicians and civil servants, to publicly declare their assets and liabilities, aiming to enhance transparency and combat corruption.
• Digital India Campaign: Launched to provide digital access to government services and information, the Digital India initiative aims to make governance more transparent and citizen-friendly.
• Aadhaar Card System: The Aadhaar system provides a unique identification number to every Indian resident, enabling better targeting of government subsidies and promoting transparency in welfare programs.
• Electoral Bonds Case: The issue of electoral bonds has been a subject of debate concerning transparency in political funding, with critics expressing concerns about opaque funding sources for political parties.

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To address the Panama Papers and the coal allocation scam cases

The Indian government and relevant authorities have implemented several measures and initiatives aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and combating corruption. Here are some of the key steps taken:

Panama Papers:

1. Investigation: An extensive investigation was launched to examine the leaked documents and identify individuals and entities involved in offshore financial activities.
2. Black Money Law Enforcement: The government reinforced the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015, to curb illegal offshore financial dealings and prosecute tax evaders.
3. Tax Evasion Probes: Tax authorities conducted comprehensive investigations into individuals and companies mentioned in the Panama Papers to ascertain potential tax evasion and enforce tax compliance.
4. Amendments to Benami Transactions Act: In 2016, amendments were made to the Benami Transactions Act, 1988, to strengthen its provisions and combat benami properties and transactions used to conceal black money and evade taxes.

Coal Allocation Scam:

1. Cancellation of Coal Block Allocations: As directed by the Supreme Court, the government revoked irregularly allocated coal blocks and initiated a transparent re-allocation process.
2. E-Auction of Coal Blocks: To ensure fairness and prevent corruption, coal blocks were allocated through e-auctions, facilitating an open and competitive bidding process.
3. Establishment of Special Courts: Dedicated special courts were established to expedite the trial of cases related to the coal allocation scam and other corruption-related offenses.
4. Enhanced Transparency in Resource Allocation: The government introduced measures to improve transparency in resource allocation processes, mitigating the risk of similar scams in the future.
5. Strengthening Regulatory Mechanisms: Regulatory bodies overseeing natural resources were bolstered, and mechanisms were put in place to enhance accountability and minimize corruption in allocation procedures.

These initiatives showcase the government’s commitment to combat corruption, foster transparency, and promote good governance across various sectors. However, the fight against corruption is an ongoing endeavor, requiring sustained efforts to fortify governance, uphold transparency, and ensure greater accountability in the country.

Way forward

Improving transparency in India requires a multifaceted approach involving various stakeholders, including the government, civil society, businesses, and citizens. Here are some key strategies

1. Strengthening Anti-Corruption Measures
2. Whistleblower Protection
3. Open Data and Information Sharing
4. E-Governance and Digitalization
5. Public Procurement Reforms
6. Political Funding Reforms
7. Strengthening Judicial Independence
8. Civic Education and Awareness
9. Media Freedom and Investigative Journalism
10. Corporate Governance and Accountability
11. Social Audits
12. Public Participation and Consultations

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