Corruption a threat to democracy, says president

New Delhi, Apr. 6 (ANI): President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday said corruption is a threat to the democratic fabric of our country, and added that it would frustrate the efforts to bring equity to all its citizens.

"I am happy to note that in the recent past, several steps have been taken to reaffirm our commitment to bringing more transparency in governance. Some of the steps taken include the ratification of the United Nations Convention against Corruption in 2011, membership of the Financial Action Task Force since 2010, introduction of the Prevention of Bribery of Foreign Public Officials and Officials of Public International Organizations Bill 2011, and initiation of a proposal to make bribery in private sector a criminal offence by bringing an amendment in the Indian Penal Code," said President Mukherjee.

"At the root of poor governance is our lethargy for change, whether it is in the implementation of schemes or adherence to values. I do not have to remind you how grievously hurt the nation was when a young woman, the symbol of an aspiring nation, lost her life in the brutal assault in India in December last year. As I had said earlier, I repeat and I do believe that it is time to reset our moral compass," he added.

President Mukherjee, who delivered the 14th D.P. Kohli Memorial Lecture on 'Good Governance: Empowering Institutions, Society and Public' on the occasion of Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) at Vigyan Bhavan here, said, 'the police and investigative organisations can play a crucial role in creating conditions that could engender societal changes'.

"An alert police force and investigative agency can ensure that no crime goes unpunished. It is important to ensure speedy and thorough investigation of allegations. The prosecution should also be speedy so that the guilty are punished without delay. This would enhance the deterrent value of punishment. It would improve responsiveness, one of the most important features of good governance," he added.

The 14th D.P. Kohli Memorial Lecture marked the inaugural ceremony of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of CBI. President Mukherjee unveiled the CBI 'Golden Jubilee Logo' today. He also honoured former CBI Directors and presented the President's Police Medals for distinguished services as also the DP Kohli Award for the best detective constable of CBI on this occasion.

President Mukherjee, who congratulates all the medal winners and their family members, also wished the CBI every success in their future endeavours.

"I congratulate all the past and present officers and staff of CBI whose untiring efforts and single-minded devotion have made it not only the premier investigating agency in the country but perhaps the most sought after agency for investigation by every section of the society. That speaks of the credibility of the organization," he said.

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Prime Minister's Office V. Narayanasamy were among the dignitaries present on the occasion. (ANI)

The President's anguish would have been more convincing if we did not play a major part in whittling down the Lokpal Bill which was never passed.

As a senior member of the Congress party we saw in the debate how he made fun of Anna and his team during the debate.

No Mr. Mukherjee, these are all crocodile tears.

You don't want corruption to go for then the MPs would not increase their wealth in each successive parliament by Rs 50 odd crores and more.