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Singh calls for war against corruption

Graft tarnishing Indias global image, says PM
Last Updated 26 August 2009, 17:17 IST

Giving away the President’s Police Medals to the best investigating officers here at the 17th Biennial Conference of Central Bureau of Investigation and State Anti-Corruption Bureaux, the prime minister said trials in corruption cases must be conducted speedily and judgments delivered quickly.

“To begin with, the aim should be to conclude the trial in two years so that punishment could be given to the offenders within a reasonable period of time,” he said.
In this context, the prime minister said his government recently decided to set up 71 new Central Bureau of Investigation courts which are  expected “to function as model courts, hold day-to-day proceedings and avoid unnecessary adjournments.”

Singh also called for a more transparent, simpler and decentralised administration. He said the design of development programmes should provide for more transparency and accountability.  “Systems and procedures which are opaque, complicated, centralised and discretionary are a fertile breeding ground for the evil of corruption,” he said.

The prime minister laid stress on the urgent need to combat the menace of corruption. “Corruption distorts the rule of law and weakens institutions. It hurts our economic growth in a variety of ways, apart from hindering our efforts to build a just, fair and equitable society,” he said.

Participation of CBI

He sought the participation of the Central Bureau of Investigation and officers of various state governments in the “war against corruption.” He said “the malaise of corruption, so sapping our efforts to march ahead as a nation, should be treated immediately and effectively.” Central Bureau of Investigation Director Ashwini Kumar said the investigating agency had decided to complete all investigations in a year. Trials should not take more than three years.

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(Published 26 August 2009, 17:17 IST)

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