Anantkumar Hegde - Parliament

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL,PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 385

ANSWERED ON:23.02.2011

ANTI CORRUPTION STRATEGY

JAGDISH SHARMA

(a) whether the Transparency International India has suggested measures to make the country corruption free;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the draft National Anticorruption strategy has been formulated; and

(e) if so, the salient features of the strategy?

Will the Minister of PERSONNEL,PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONSbe pleased to state:-

ANSWER

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER`S OFFICE

(SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY)

(a) to (b): Transparency International India (TII) is a non-profit organization that endeavours to work towards reduction in corruption by promoting and supporting transparent and ethical practices in government by raising awareness among people, planning policies to support Government for better delivery of public services, working toward reducing public corruption, combating political corruption and partnering with civil society groups working towards similar goal. The TII has advocated for following reforms :-

1) Enactment of legislation for Lok Pal.

2) Appointment of Lokayuktas in all States.

3) Annual declaration of assets by Ministers, MPs and MLAs.

4) Compulsory audit of accounts of political parties.

5) Speedy trial of criminal cases against Ministers, MPs and MLAs.

6) Enactment of foolproof legislation for forfeiture of illegally acquired property by corrupt persons, including Ministers, MPs and MLAs.

7) Code of Conduct for Ministers, MPs and MLAs.

8) Electoral reforms to prevent tainted politicians from contesting elections & preventing them from holding the position of power.

9) Enactment of legislation for Whistle Blowers’ Protection.

10) Integrity Pact to prevent corruption in public contracting and procurement.

11) Organization of seminars on Improving Governance.

12) Annual Journalistic Excellence Award in exposing corruption.

13) Ratification of UN Convention against Corruption.

(c): It is the endeavour of the Government to introduce the Lokpal Bill in the Parliament as early as possible. The matter is still under consideration of the Government. Lok Ayuktas are appointed by the State Governments and Government of India has been impressing upon them in this regard from time to time. So far, eighteen States have created the institution of Lokayuktas. Serveral steps have been taken by the Government in the recent past to combat corruption and to improve the functioning of Government. These include:-

(i) Issue of Whistle Blowers Resolution, 2004;

(ii) Enactment of Right to Information Act, 2005;

(iii) The pro-active involvement of Ministry/Department through Annual Action Plan on Vigilance as a preventive measure;

(iv) Issue of comprehensive instructions on transparency in tendering and contracting process by the CVC;

(v) Issue of instructions by the CVC asking the organizations to adopt Integrity Pact in major Government procurement activities; Similar instructions have been issued by the Central Government on 16th June, 2009 advising the State Governments to adopt Integrity Pact in major procurements;

(vi) Signing of the United Nations Convention against Corruption;

(vii) Introduction of e-Governance and simplification of procedures and systems;

(viii)Issue of Citizen Charters.

(d) & (e): In order to promote good governance in the country, the Central Vigilance Commission has formulated a draft “National Anti Corruption Strategy” (NACS) as a guiding policy document. The proposed Strategy aims at systematic and conscious reshaping of the country’s national integrity system. The draft Strategy recommends a set of action to be taken by the Government and a set of action by the political entities, judiciary, media, citizens, private sector and civil society organizations.