Question : INCREASING CASES OF CORRUPTION IN INDIA

(a) whether as per the list of corrupt countries released by an international agency Transparency International, India is ranked at 85th place as reported in the Times of India dated 24 September, 2008;

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the reaction of the Government thereto;

(c) whether the Government has conducted any study to ascertain the reasons behind constantly increasing corruption in the country;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the steps being taken by the Government to check the corruption in the country?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER`S OFFICE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS .(SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)

(a): Yes, Sir.

(b) : According to the `Corruption Perception Index, 2008` published by the Transparency International, India is ranked at 85th place among 180 countries.

(c), (d) & (e) : Government is aware of the menace of corruption and is fully committed to implement its policy of `Zero Tolerance against Corruption` and is moving progressively to eradicate corruption from all spheres of life by improving transparency and accountability. Several steps have been taken to combat corruption and to improve the functioning of Government :-

(i) Enactment of Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003;

(ii) Enactment of Whistle Blowers Resolution, 2004;

(iii) Enactment of Right to Information Act, 2005;

(iv) The pro-active involvement of Ministry/Department through Annual Action Plan on Vigilance;

(v) Issue of comprehensive instructions on transparency in tendering and contracting process by the Central Vigilance Commission.

Government organizations are also constantly engaged in improving their functioning through e-Governance, issue of Citizen Charters and simplification of procedures and systems, which are aimed at eradicating corruption by improving transparency and accountability.