Corruption dents India’s global image: PM
By IANSFriday, February 4, 2011
NEW DELHI - Expressing concern over the “menace” of corruption in the wake of a series of scams, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Friday said it demeans and dents India’s image.
“Corruption strikes at the roots of good governance. It is an impediment to faster growth. It dilutes, if not negates, our efforts at social inclusion. It dents our international image and it demeans us before our own people,” Manmohan Singh said, addressing the second annual conference of chief secretaries of states here.
The prime minister said the “challenge” of corruption needed to “be faced frontally, boldly and quickly”.
He said the government has set up a group of ministers to look “into all measures, legal or administrative, to tackle this menace”.
He also mentioned two bills introduced in parliament relating to judicial accountability and the protection of whistleblowers.
“Along with legislation, the necessary revamp of administrative practices and procedures needs to be fast-tracked,” he said.
He asserted that a systemic response needs to be put in place to reduce opportunities for corruption.
“It is now well documented that the introduction of competition, greater choice and modern technology can cut down the opportunities for corruption in a very meaningful manner.”
