<p>Governor H R Bhardwaj on Thursday called upon the people to restore probity in public life by creating a corruption-free environment in society.<br /><br />Delivering his speech after hoisting the national tricolour to mark the 63rd Republic Day celebrations at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Ground, he said: "There is a strong discontent in society that there is lack of probity in public life. What is demanded of us is restoration of probity in public life. Society is demanding an environment free from corruption and we all have to work to fulfil it." <br /><br />The Governor's statement comes in the wake of several top political leaders, including former chief ministers and present cabinet ministers, facing corruption charges in the State.<br /><br />Cautioning the authorities against any attempt to weaken the administrative structures and institutions, the Governor said efforts should be made to build strong institutions and administrative structures for rendering high standards in serving the people. <br /><br />Though the Governor expressed happiness over the law and order situation and congratulated the police for this, he called for a strict vigil on certain elements that are working overtime to disturb the peace and harmony. "With our collective resolve, we must defeat the designs of all such elements," he added.<br /><br />Referring to the bottlenecks in implementing various government programmes, Bhardwaj said an independent authority has been set up to evaluate all development programmes in an efficient, transparent and effective manner to ensure their benefits reach the intended people.<br /><br />On the recent deaths due to malnutrition, he asked the government to redouble its efforts in addressing the problem. </p>.<p>“Even after three decades of implementation of the Integrated Child Development Scheme, we are still witnessing prevalence of child malnutrition. We need to redouble our efforts with a clear focus on improving the conditions and invest wisely on our children," he said.</p>.<p>The Governor, who is also the Chancellor of universities, said universities should encourage research activities and attract better talent. "Universities cannot merely remain teaching shops… It is necessary to proactively encourage research activities in the universities, help improve the standards and remain competitive and relevant in the face of intense competition in this globalised world," he added.<br /><br />Tough stand on Lokayukta<br /><br />Toughening his stand on the issue of appointing a new Lokayukta, Bhardwaj said he would not allow any attempt to dilute or weaken the institution which has rendered exemplary service and done the State proud. The anti-graft agency would be given independence and powers to carry out investigation. <br /><br />"There will be no dilution or weakening of the Lokayukta and independence of its investigating teams will be maintained," he stated.<br /><br />Bhardwaj has taken the BJP government head-on over the appointment of the new Lokayukta. He has refused to accept the government's recommendation to appoint Justice S R Bannurmath as the Lokayukta, saying he wants an able and honest person to occupy the post.<br /><br />Guv’s advice<br /><br />* Fast track implementation of critical infrastructure projects<br />* Address bottlenecks in implementing various programmes in time-bound manner<br />* Use technology in a big way to provide better services to people<br />* Adopt e-procurement system in all departments<br /><br /></p>
<p>Governor H R Bhardwaj on Thursday called upon the people to restore probity in public life by creating a corruption-free environment in society.<br /><br />Delivering his speech after hoisting the national tricolour to mark the 63rd Republic Day celebrations at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Ground, he said: "There is a strong discontent in society that there is lack of probity in public life. What is demanded of us is restoration of probity in public life. Society is demanding an environment free from corruption and we all have to work to fulfil it." <br /><br />The Governor's statement comes in the wake of several top political leaders, including former chief ministers and present cabinet ministers, facing corruption charges in the State.<br /><br />Cautioning the authorities against any attempt to weaken the administrative structures and institutions, the Governor said efforts should be made to build strong institutions and administrative structures for rendering high standards in serving the people. <br /><br />Though the Governor expressed happiness over the law and order situation and congratulated the police for this, he called for a strict vigil on certain elements that are working overtime to disturb the peace and harmony. "With our collective resolve, we must defeat the designs of all such elements," he added.<br /><br />Referring to the bottlenecks in implementing various government programmes, Bhardwaj said an independent authority has been set up to evaluate all development programmes in an efficient, transparent and effective manner to ensure their benefits reach the intended people.<br /><br />On the recent deaths due to malnutrition, he asked the government to redouble its efforts in addressing the problem. </p>.<p>“Even after three decades of implementation of the Integrated Child Development Scheme, we are still witnessing prevalence of child malnutrition. We need to redouble our efforts with a clear focus on improving the conditions and invest wisely on our children," he said.</p>.<p>The Governor, who is also the Chancellor of universities, said universities should encourage research activities and attract better talent. "Universities cannot merely remain teaching shops… It is necessary to proactively encourage research activities in the universities, help improve the standards and remain competitive and relevant in the face of intense competition in this globalised world," he added.<br /><br />Tough stand on Lokayukta<br /><br />Toughening his stand on the issue of appointing a new Lokayukta, Bhardwaj said he would not allow any attempt to dilute or weaken the institution which has rendered exemplary service and done the State proud. The anti-graft agency would be given independence and powers to carry out investigation. <br /><br />"There will be no dilution or weakening of the Lokayukta and independence of its investigating teams will be maintained," he stated.<br /><br />Bhardwaj has taken the BJP government head-on over the appointment of the new Lokayukta. He has refused to accept the government's recommendation to appoint Justice S R Bannurmath as the Lokayukta, saying he wants an able and honest person to occupy the post.<br /><br />Guv’s advice<br /><br />* Fast track implementation of critical infrastructure projects<br />* Address bottlenecks in implementing various programmes in time-bound manner<br />* Use technology in a big way to provide better services to people<br />* Adopt e-procurement system in all departments<br /><br /></p>
