The UPA Government has taken several measures to tackle the menace of corruption.
Following the two reports submitted by the Group of Ministers (GoM) on anti-corruption set up in January last year, the Government has directed that requests for sanction of prosecution are to be decided upon by the competent authority within a period of three months. It was also decided that the Minister-in-charge will be the competent authority for initiating enquiry or investigation against all officers of the central government above the rank of Joint Secretary.
The Government has also accepted that the recommendation of the GoM to put in place regulatory parameters for exercise of discretionary powers by Ministers and to place them in public domain.
Other significant anti-corruption initiatives taken by the Government include a comprehensive ‘Lokpal and Lakyuktas Bill, 2011’ passed by the Lok Sabha this year. The Whistle Blowers Protection Bill, 2011, passed by the Lok Sabha and presently with the Rajya Sabha ensures protection to whistle-blowers.
Following India's ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, the Prevention of Bribery of Foreign Public Officials and Officials of Public International Organisations Bill 2011′ was introduced in the Lok Sabha. AIR correspondent reports the Report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Bill is under consideration of the Government.
A national e-governance plan was also approved by the Government to make all government services accessible to the common man and ensure efficiency, transparency and reliability of such services at affordable costs. To ensure Transparency in Public Procurement Legislation, the Public Procurement Bill, 2012, has been approved by the Cabinet.
The Bill seeks to regulate public procurement by all Ministries and Departments of the central government, Central Public Sector Enterprises and bodies controlled by the Central Government to ensure transparency, fair and equitable treatment of bidders, promoting competition and enhancing efficiency and economy in the procurement process.
To make Public Service Delivery, a right of citizens, the Right of Citizens for time-bound delivery of Goods and Services and Redressal of their Grievances Bill’ was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 20th December 2011, and been referred to the Department related Parliamentary Standing Committee. This bill is intended to make the Citizens’ Charter statutory and to endow the public with the right to delivery of goods and services.
To increase people’s access to justice and enhancing accountability, the Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill 2012 has been passed by the Lok Sabha. The National Mission for Justice Delivery and Legal Reforms was launched in the Department of Justice for increasing access to justice by reducing delays and arrears.
People can now also seek information on filing of petitions, allotment of cases to courts, date of hearing and status of the case from judicial service centres set up by district and subordinate courts.
