HYDERABAD, July 7:
The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is leading a Task Force to develop a system that would help anti-corruption agencies across the world to exchange information, knowledge and experience to fight graft effectively.
The Knowledge Management System being developed by the Task Force of the CVC, a member of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities, would help anti-corruption agencies in this regard, said Chief Vigilance Commissioner Pradeep Kumar.
“Fighting corruption is no longer a purely domestic affair as corruption has taken international dimensions. Proceeds of corruption are laundered in other countries through various forms of illicit financial transactions and it is proving difficult to take action against foreign companies that are involved in bribery in India”, Kumar said.
Addressing the 9th anniversary of Vigilance Study Circle here today, he said, international co-operation in corruption investigations and a concerted approach for recovery of stolen assets has to be accorded priority.
Kumar said a host of Governance reforms, which were long overdue, were being introduced in India now. “I am very optimistic that these important reforms, when implemented, would result in a paradigm shift in the approach towards fighting corruption and also improve governance”, he said.
Stating corruption has been in the mainstream of public debate in the last two years, Kumar said, it has fuelled public anger along with other factors like economic downturn and rising inflation.
“While it cannot be said definitely whether corruption has increased, the negative perception about corruption in India has certainly increased. Though the situation may seem grim, let us not go home with the impression that nothing or very little is being done.”
An Act to regulate delivery of public services was being legislated, which would go a long way in curbing petty corruption, the former IAS officer said.
“We have also recommended enactment of a False Claims Law that aims to empower citizens to fight corruption. Under this, any citizen can seek punishment and recovery of money from any contractor who charges extra money from the Government and delivers less than the contracted quality or quantity of goods and services. The government is working in this direction,” the CVC said.
The proposed ‘Prevention of Bribery of Foreign Public Officials Bill, 2011’ was aimed at discouraging corrupt practises in international business by Indian firms, he said.
Besides, a strong and effective Lokpal and a Judicial Accountability Bill to ensure integrity of the judiciary were also on the anvil, Kumar said.
“As funding of elections is a major source of corruption in India, the Election Commission has recommended various electoral reforms that are under the Government of India’s consideration”, the head of top anti-graft watchdog said.
“The Company Bill, 2011 tabled in Parliament envisages improvements in corporate governance through improved corporate social responsibility, appointment of independent directors, serious fraud investigations and investor protection, especially of minority shareholders,” he said.
The CVC said a new Bill has also been drafted in line with the Commission’s recommendations for various reforms in public procurement system.
“The Central Vigilance Commission is deeply committed to combating corruption. We are continuously trying to build our capacity, find innovative ways and integrate the expectations of all stakeholders to the governance process,” Kumar said.
Vigilance Commissioners R Srikumar, J M Garg, Andhra Pradesh Vigilance Commissioner S V Prasad, among others, attended the function. (PTI)
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