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http://news.outlookindia.com/item.aspx?669317

Prez Terms Corruption as 'Cancer'; Favours Transparency

New Delhi | Nov 12, 2009

Describing corruption as cancer affecting the country, President
Pratibha Patil today said the nation is losing resources due to the
social evil and suggested transparency in the system.

"The system has to be made corruption free. Like a cancer, corruption
is that sore which drains the strength of a nation. Corruption has
deprived the nation of better infrastructure and better facilities,"
Patil said delivering the inaugural lecture series organised by UPSC
here.

The President said when only a fraction of the money is spent for the
purpose for which it is allocated, the impact is far less than the
intended or envisaged.

For example, corruption in the public distribution system means that
food meant for the poorer sections of society is not reaching them and
as a result the national objective of removing poverty and hunger
suffers.

"The people feel let down, the nation loses resources and we lag
behind others. It is one malaise which brooks no delay," she said.

Patil said opaqueness results in red-tapism and unaccountability and
there should be transparency in functioning.

Withholding information from the public creates a distance between the
civil servant and the people; it results in a gap between those
responsible for governing and those for whose benefits the system
operates.

"Transparency has a triple impact. It encourages civil servants to
take decisions in a manner that can withstand public scrutiny. It
brings home to the people the challenges that the government faces as
it functions. It institutes a dialogue process in the country," the
President said.

"I am, therefore, glad that instruments like the RTI are giving to the
citizens a platform to communicate with administration," she said.

Patil said de-centralisation is very important for it is a
participatory form of governance that empowers people, particularly
the underprivileged, the women and other disadvantaged sections of
society.

"A people-centric administration with local institutions playing a
leading role has the advantage of being closest to the people and
hence, aware of their needs and concerns," she said.

The President said the Union Public Service Commission plays an
important role in the governance process of the country and as a
constitutional body, it has provided a strong institutional mechanism
for the recruitment, appointment and career-related matters of the
members of India's civil services.

"It has set high standards for itself and has been recruiting persons
of merit and ability, in an open and impartial manner," she said.

Filed At: Nov 12, 2009 15:49 IST ,
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