Former DGP J Poornachandra Rao has stressed the importance of empowering youth from diverse backgrounds to become leaders and officers, ensuring that the “rule of law” benefits everyone equally.
Speaking at the ‘Ruler’s Law, Rule of Law’ conference held at the Visakhapatnam Public Library on Saturday, Rao highlighted the growing influence of politics on the rule of law in contemporary India.”The Constitution and system were based on the concept that the law should apply equally to all. However, today, while rulers don’t create laws, the implementation of rules has increased,” Rao observed, emphasizing the need to uphold the constitutional principle of equality before the law.
Rao pointed to the ongoing disinvestment of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant as a major issue in the region. “Since 1966, the plant has supported local communities, but it is now being dismantled without replacing jobs, highlighting broader societal imbalances,” he said. He also spoke about economic disparities in India, noting that one-third of the country’s wealth is controlled by 167 corporate entities. “While the assets of the rich continue to grow, the poor are getting poorer. Every day, the number of millionaires increases, but the poor are left behind,” he commented.
Criticizing the privatization of public institutions, particularly in education, Rao remarked, “While foreign education is prioritized, domestic institutions are being neglected. The government must strengthen public institutions instead of privatizing them for business interests.” Rao also raised concerns about corporate influence on politics, particularly through electoral bonds, which he claimed are exacerbating inequality. Additionally, he questioned the inaction on the Rs. 1,750 crore solar scam, warning, “If societal issues aren’t addressed, criminals may take control of the country.”
Former Andhra University Rector, Prof. Prasanna Kumar, lauded Rao for his contributions as Commissioner in Visakhapatnam and later as DGP. “Only a few sections of society currently rule. Poornichandra Rao believes all sections should have a role in governance,” Kumar said. Encouraging students to study the Constitution and the Rule of Law, Kumar also highlighted India’s declining global rankings in freedom and rights, linking this to attacks on women and restrictions on media freedom. He urged students to draw inspiration from Rao’s journey, saying, “Poornichandra Rao rose from humble beginnings to achieve great heights.”
The event saw lively discussions, with participation from notable individuals like Suryanarayana and a large number of students, who deliberated on the implications of the Rule of Law in modern society.
