Anti-corruption crusaders led by social activist Anna Hazare should not dictate terms over the passing of an ombudsman bill, Archbishop Vincent Concessao of Delhi said yesterday.

“We cannot dictate to the government. The way they talk sometimes gives this impression. There is a normal governmental procedure and one should follow that,” said the prelate, who was one of the founding members of the India Against Corruption campaign.

He said the two sides should sort out their differences and work together otherwise there cannot be much progress.

Hazare and is supporters want the government to create an ombudsman with an effective federal system to check corruption, redress grievances and protect whistle-blowers.

Responding to reports he is planning to distance himself from the India Against Corruption campaign, which has been dogged by controversy in recent months, the archbishop said he still supports the movement as it is for a good cause.

There have been reports of a rift in what is often called Team Hazare, with two of its members resigning from its core committee citing political activism.

Another key member has also been accused of fiddling travel expenses.

Unless people are taught morality and given an education in values, “we cannot end corruption. It is a lifelong process,” the archbishop said.

“A law is not enough to keep this menace away. It will only keep the big thieves out,” he added.

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