Renowned economist Prof Jagdish Bhagwati today said corruption in the country can be effectively tackled by institutional reforms and use of science. Delivering third prof Hiren Mukherjee memorial annunal parliamentary lecture in the Central Hall of Parliament, Prof Bhagwati said that Public figures are perceived to be corrupt unless they prove otherwise. Quoting former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Prof Bhagwati said it is science alone that can solve the problems of hunger and poverty. Citing an example how the menace can be dealt with, Prof Bhagwati said the government initiative of giving electronic identity cards to the poor will take the political corruption out of the public distribution system. He said, Nandan Nilekani is engaged in arguably the most important innovative reform in recent years by creating a national database of identity details of Indian citizens. Prof Bhagawati said economic growth had led to reducing poverty.Describing democracy is conducive to development, the renowned economist noted that it matters more to the poor than to the rich. Prof Bhagawati said the noise in Indian democracy is in fact its music. He said democracy has been a source of immense gratification, not just to elites but also to the common man.Welcoming the renowned economist, the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said India has converted the problem of brain drain into an opportunity of brain gain. Dr Singh said the country is drawing on the global brain bank of people of Indian origin. In his remarks, Vice President Hamid Ansari said that founding fathers took great pride in the effective working of Parliament. Lok Sabha Speaker Mrs Meira Kumar said economic reforms following a democratic consensus are enduring and long lasting.