The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has sought the cooperation of Civil Servants in fighting corruption which is a challenge that needs to be tackled boldly. Inaugurating the sixth Civil Services Day today, Dr. Singh called upon Civil Servants to be honest and fearless in advising the superior authorities especially the political leadership. He said there is a growing feeling in people that laws, systems and procedures are not effective in dealing with the menace. He asserted that people expect swift and exemplary action in dealing with corruption as it is an impediment to faster growth and hurts the poor most. Dr. Manmohan Singh said, the government is committed to bring in more transparency in public procurement and to ensure disinvestment of public utilities and allocation of sources. Referring to the measures being taken by the government in dealing with corruption, he said it aims to strengthen the legislative framework, revamp administrative practices and procedures and fast track a systemic response to fight this menace. Dr. Manmohan Singh said that a Group of Ministers looking into legal and administrative measures is expected to submit its report soon. He added a joint committee of Group of Ministers and Civil Society representatives is finalising a Draft Bill of a Lokpal and hoped that the legislation will be introduced in the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Referring to instances of individual waywardness, lack of moral courage and of surrender to pressures and temptations by civil servants, he said it has tarnished the image of civil services and lead to immense criticism and dissatisfaction. Talking about the challenges to economic management, Dr. Singh called for increasing foodgrain production and productivity. He referred to the steps taken by the government to deal with food inflation and called for making concerted efforts to enhance food security. The Prime Minister also stressed on strengthening the local level governance through Panchayats and Municipalities with forcefully making a plea to decentralise the decision making and implementation of various schemes. The Prime Minister said that there is a need to re-fashion civil services as effective instruments for delivery of services and agents of improved governance. On the security front, he said combating left wing extremism, effectively dealing with terrorism and counter insurgency besides maintaining communal harmony continue to be the priorities of the government. Expressing serious concern over falling child sex ratio, he described it a national shame. Dr. Singh said despite laws and rules female foeticide and infanticide continue in many parts of the country and called upon civil servants to play a big role in launching a crusade against it.