The government is committed to greater transparency and accountability in governance and to a policy of zero tolerance towards corruption. Inaugurating the regional conference of Anti Corruption initiative on Asia and the Pacific in New Delhi today, President Pratibha Devisingh Patil called for multifaceted approach to combat corruption. She said, governments have to constantly review existing laws, systems and procedures for ensuring their effectiveness. She emphasised the need for strengthening institutions, removing loopholes, stringently implementing laws and making every institution more transparent in its functioning.

Mrs Patil recognised that corruption is a hurdle in the socio-economic development of any country. However, she expressed confidence that with its strong fundamentals and resilience, the Indian economy will continue to grow with an inclusive growth strategy.

She informed that in a significant step to fight against corruption effectively, India has already ratified the United Nations Convention Against Corruption in May this year. Mrs. Patil said to fight against corruption the Parliament of India is considering the framing of an effective Ombudsman Law and Judicial Accountability Bill.

AIR correspondent reports that this is the first time that India is hosting the conference in collobration with Asian Development Bank and Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, OECD.