Corruption striking at roots of good governance: PM

New Delhi, Feb 4 (PTI) With his government under
attack over various scams, India's Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh on Friday spoke out against corruption, saying that it
strikes at the roots of good governance, dents the country's
international image and "demeans us before our own people".
"This is a challenge which has to be faced frontally,
boldly and quickly," he said addressing the annual conference
of chief secretaries of states here.
He said, "Corruption strikes at the roots of good
governance. It is an impediment to faster growth. It dilutes,
if not negates, our efforts at social inclusion.
"It dents our international image and it demeans us
before our own people," Singh said.
Referring to the Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by
India's Finance Minister Pranab Mukerjee and set up recently
to look into all measures, legal or administrative, to tackle
the menace, he said two bills have already been introduced in
Parliament relating to judicial accountability and the
protection of whistle blowers.
"Along with legislation, the necessary revamp of
administrative practises and procedures needs to be
fast-tracked. A systemic response that reduces opportunities
for corruption needs to be put in place," Singh said.
Serious concern has been expressed in many responsible
circles about the lack of ethical conduct and probity in
public life, he said.
The Prime Minister said that the introduction of
competition, greater choice and modern technology could cut
down the opportunities for corruption in a very meaningful
manner.
Delays, another major cause, could be addressed to a
large extent by effective decentralisation and delegation of
power and responsibility, he said while seeking the support of
top bureaucrats in bringing about vast improvements in
governance.