While addressing the G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial Meet in Kolkata today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the highest impact of corruption is borne by the poor and the marginalised and asserted it (corruption) affects resource utilization, distorts markets, impacts service delivery and ultimately diminishes people's quality of life.
What did PM Modi say?
While addressing the delegates, the PM Modi welcomed the dignitaries and referred to the writings of Tagore in a bid to caution against greed as it prevents us from realising the truth.
His today's speech also touched upon Upanishad which tells us about the concept of ‘Ma Gridha’, which translates to ‘let there be no greed’.
Referring to Kautilya in Arthashastra, the PM said it is the government's duty to enhance the state's resources to maximize the welfare of its people.
"India has a strict policy of zero tolerance against corruption", the Prime Minister remarked as he underlined that India is leveraging technology and e-governance to create a transparent and accountable ecosystem.
He mentioned that leakages and gaps in welfare schemes and government projects are being plugged. As a result, the Prime Minister said, hundreds of million people in India have received direct benefit transfers into their bank accounts amounting to more than 360 billion dollars and helping save over 33 billion dollars.
The Prime Minister informed that the government has simplified various procedures for businesses and gave the example of automation and digitization of government services that have eliminated rent-seeking opportunities.
"Our Government e-Marketplace, or GeM portal, has brought greater transparency in government procurement”, he added.
Highlighting the importance of timely asset tracing and identification of proceeds of crime, the Prime Minister stressed the need to encourage countries to enhance their domestic asset recovery mechanisms.
Modi suggested that G20 countries can set an example by using non-conviction-based confiscations to expedite the recovery of foreign assets and said that it will ensure swift return and extradition of criminals after the due judicial process.
"It will send a strong signal about our joint fight against corruption", he emphasized.
The Prime Minister asserted that the collective efforts of G20 nations can significantly support the fight against corruption and a huge difference can be made through enhanced international cooperation and implementation of robust measures that address the root causes of corruption.
Modi also highlighted the role of audit institutions in the fight against corruption.
Concluding the address, the Prime Minister urged the dignitaries to foster a culture of ethics and integrity in the value systems along with strengthening administrative and legal systems.
"Only by doing so, can we lay the foundation for a just and sustainable society. I wish you all a productive and successful meeting," the Prime Minister concluded.
