‘Corruption impediment to faster growth’
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said that corruption is an “impediment to faster growth” while admitting that there is a “growing feeling in the people that our laws, systems and procedures are not effective in dealing with corruption”.
He has also acknowledged that there is a need to “recognise that there is little public tolerance now for the prevailing state of affairs” and that “people expect swift and exemplary action, and rightly so”,
The PM’s observations came while delivering a speech at the Sixth Civil Services Day function in the national capital on Thursday. They assume significance given the current controversy that surrounds the proposed Lokpal Bill, which is aimed at addressing corruption. As the PM also told the gathering of civil servants on Thursday, the government hopes to introduce the Lokpal Bill in the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Detailing other measures being taken by his government to tackle corruption, the PM said that two bills relating to judicial accountability and protection of whistle-blowers have already been introduced in Parliament and India is soon to ratify the United Nations Convention on Corruption.
“Our aim is to strengthen the legislative framework, revamp administrative practices and procedures and fast-track a systemic response to fighting corruption. A group of ministers is looking into the legal and administrative measures that can be taken in this regard. The group has a wide-ranging mandate and I expect its recommendations to be available very soon. I urge all civil servants to contribute to our efforts in fighting corruption. Each one of you is in a position to do so in many meaningful ways and I hope to see renewed energy emanating from you in this fight. I expect you to be honest and fearless in advising your superior authorities, especially the political leadership. Those of you who serve in senior positions would do well to also encourage your subordinate officers in this direction.”
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