PM calls for probity in public life

Faced with severe criticism on the issue of corruption, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday urged states to work together with the Centre towards achieving transparency, accountability and probity in public life.

Addressing a conference of state secretaries here, Singh listed various efforts that his government has taken so far —from bringing Right to Information Act to recently introducing a Bill on Citizens’ Charter in Parliament — to bring in place a transparent and accountable governance structure in the country.

“But, we still have a long way to go in our efforts for ensuring transparency, accountability and probity in public life. I would urge all of you to ensure that the Centre and states work together to move ahead to achieve these goals,” he said.

The prime minister said it was “unfortunate” that the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill was not passed in the last session of Parliament. “But I do hope that we will soon be able to enact a strong Lokpal law,” he added.

Singh also urged all the state governments to show leadership in undertaking programmes for skill development of the people, saying that this is a “vital area of national endeavour.”

“There is need to equip a large number of our people with skills so that they can engage productively in the processes of nation building, and at the same time earn decent incomes to lead a fulfilling life,” he underlined.

“Our government has taken a number of steps for skill development which have met with modest success. We intend and we must to do more,” Singh said. The country requires about 26 crore skilled people by 2018.

 “Serious” challenges and threats, primarily from left wing extremism, cross border terrorism, religious fundamentalism and ethnic violence continue to persist in the country.
 Singh asked the officials to tackle them with “a firm and effective and yet sensitive hand. The Central government will continue providing all possible assistance to the States in their efforts in this direction.”