Transcript Document
Government of India
COMBATING CORRUPTION IN PUBLIC SERVICES
India Overview
World’s largest and a vibrant democracy Rule of law enshrined in Constitution Separation of Powers (Legislature, Executive and Judiciary) Right to Equality and Equality of opportunity Affirmative action for disadvantaged.
Independent and Proactive Judiciary Free Press & Media Liberalised Economy
Corruption
Pernicious and Visible impediment to good governance India 47 31 st th most corrupt country – China (World Bank, 2006) India 70th in Corruption Perception Index (T I 2006) Incidence widely known but impact little realized
POLICY
ZERO TOLERANCE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Political Accountability
Strategy
Combating Corruption
Institutional Restraints ANTI CORRUPTION Civil Society Participation Competitive Private Sector Public Service Management (Anti-corruption in Transition – World Bank 2000)
Strategy
1) Institutional Restraints - Independent and proactive judiciary - Legislative oversight - Independent prosecution, Enforcement 2) Political Accountability - Political competition –Multi Parties - Transparency in party financing - Disclosure of voting - Asset declaration, office of profit act
Strategy
3) Civil Society Participation - Right to Information Act - Public hearings - Role for media/NGOs 4) Competitive Private Sector - Economic Reforms - Competitive restructuring of monopolies - Regulatory simplification and standards - Transparency in corporate governance - Collective business associations
Strategy
5)
Public Service Management
- Meritocratic civil service, adequate pay - Budget management - Tax and customs administration - Enhancing public service delivery - Decentralization with accountability
INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK
CENTRAL VIGILANCE COMMISSION CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA COMPTROLLER AND AUDITOR GENERAL OF INDIA
LEGAL FRAMEWORK The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 The Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003 Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946 Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 Extradition Act, 1962 The Representation of Peoples Act, 1950 The Right to Information Act, 2005 The Companies Act, 1956 Conduct Rules
Action Plan against Corruption Preventive Vigilance • Conduct Rules – Sanctions for violations • Elaborate procedures • Principles of Natural Justice • Vigilance Clearance for Appointments • Systemic Reforms Surveillance and Detection • Inspection / Pre-audit Identifying suspect corrupt elements. List of Officers of Doubtful Integrity. Property Returns
Action Plan Continued
Deterrent Punitive Action
Sanctions under All India Services Conduct Rules Sanctions for criminal misconduct and other acts Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 Code of Criminal Procedure and Indian Penal Code
Close Monitoring
Citizens’ Charter
Citizens’ Charters publicize services to members of the public, commitment of the organization, expected standards of service delivery, timeframe, grievance redressal mechanism. Are a tool of public scrutiny to ensure accountability. 35 Central Government Ministries and Departments have formulated 127 Citizens’ Charters. 683 Citizens’ Charters have been brought out by 24 State Governments/Union Territories.
Empowering the Civil Services
Stability of Tenure Performance Appraisal System Mid–Career Training Programme Protection for bona fide actions taken by Civil Servants.
Public Services Bill
Public Services Bill
Objective: To formulate Code of Ethics & Public service Management Code To provide a statutory basis for regulation of Public Services under Article 309 Components: Public Service Values Code of Ethics Public Service Management Code Performance Management System and Accountability Public Service Authority
PM’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration
Scheme to acknowledge outstanding performance of civil servants; focus on innovations, efficient service delivery, crisis management, leadership qualities etc.
Officers of Central and State Governments eligible. Award to comprise of a medal, a scroll and cash amount to be given by the Prime Minister on January 26 every year. Nominations to be made by Government Departments, NGOs and other stakeholders. Selection Process made rigorous and transparent Committee chaired by Cabinet Secretary with persons from outside the government.
Right to Information
To ensure availability & accessibility to information and bring out transparency in Government.
Right to Information Act applicable from October 2005. Empowers the citizen to seek information from Public Authorities. 22 States have constituted Information Commissions under Section 15 of the Act.
FINAL WORD
1.
2.
Out of Box Approach Inculcate culture of performance: appreciate/ recognize positives Focus on outputs and outcomes Reengineer business processes and leverage technology for eliminating public interface Provide sharing platforms for replication of best practices Make islands of integrity grow beyond influence of individuals: systemic reforms Create Research & Development Cells Paradigm Shift
PARADIGM SHIFT
Hit & miss Uniformity Provision Producers Inputs “Received wisdom” Regulation Demarcation Look up
Comfortable
Universal high standards Diversity Choice Customers/citizens Outcomes Data and best practice Incentives Flexibility Look outwards
Demanding
Last Thought
Ah! but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp.
Or what’s heaven for?
-Robert Browning