(a) whether attention of the Government has been drawn to the news-item appearing in the Hindustan Times dated December 18, 2002 in which a survey conducted by an N.G.O. Transparency International (India) ORG MARG has shown the extent of corruption prevalent in public dealing in the different departments;
(b) if so, the findings thereof and the response of the Government thereto; and
(c) the steps being taken to check the mounting menace of corruption in the country?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS. (SHRI HARIN PATHAK)
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b)&(c): Government is fully alive to the need to root out corruption and to ensure transparency in its dealings as far as possible. Government has introduced checks and balances for bringing accountability and ensuring efficiency in the administration. The Secretary of each Department, assisted by the Chief Vigilance Officer, has been made responsible for ensuring probity and integrity in each Department.
Government has also taken several measures to ensure transparency, such as setting up of 90 facilitation centers as on 1.12.2002 in various Ministries/Departments/Organisations to provide information and assistance to the public regarding schemes and procedures of the organization concerned. Also 71 Central
Government Organisations have published Citizen`s Charters reflecting the commitment of the concerned Ministries, Departments or Agencies to provide services within the timeframe specified. Some Ministries and Departments have also developed their own websites for promotion of e-governance. The Freedom of Information Act, 2002 has also been enacted for ensuring greater transparency, openness and accountability in the functioning of the public authorities.