Prez for multi-pronged strategy to root out graft
President Pratibha Patil on Saturday sought a multi-pronged strategy to root out corruption that has stalled development and eroded rule of law in the country.
Addressing the governors at the two-day governors’ conference at Rashtrapati Bhavan here, she said public sentiment against corruption in public life was on the rise.
“Corruption stalls development, undermines social progress, undercuts confidence in the fairness of public administration, impedes good governance, erodes the rule of law, distorts competitive conditions, dampens investments and above all hurts the common man the most. It has to be rooted out,” she said.
According to her, the remedy lies in a multi-pronged strategy combining preventive and punitive interventions, including simpler rules, transparent processes, judicious exercise of discretion, prompt delivery systems, better public awareness, public accountability and discharge of responsibilities with utmost rectitude.
The President, noting the global recognition of India’s economic and technological prowess, referred to the multiple challenges of terrorism, Left wing extremism and insurgency, and the need for evolving a viable strategy for increasing production.
She stressed that India’s external and internal security requires foremost attention.
“Both Central and state governments have to work hand in hand to fortify our security architecture, and create an effective deterrence to achieve zero tolerance of terrorist activities.
“We look forward to hearing from the governors of those states which share international borders, of how best to address the security concerns of these sensitive states, and so also threats faced with violent manifestations, from Naxalism and Left wing extremists,” she said.
The President also dwelt at length on ragging in educational institutions. “The Supreme Court has taken a strong stand against ragging. Many states have enacted laws, rules and regulations to prevent ragging. The regulatory structures have to be constantly monitored and all inadequacies removed,” she said.
