Indian Prime Minister Promises New Anti-Corruption Bill

April 21, 2011

India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh speaks at a joint news conference during the BRICS [Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa] summit in Sanya, on the southern Chinese island of Hainan, April 14, 2011 (file photo)

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh spoke about widespread public discontent over the issue of graft as he addressed senior bureaucrats Thursday at a function in New Delhi.

"There is a growing feeling in the people that our laws, systems and procedures are not effective in dealing with corruption. We must recognize that there is little public tolerance now for the prevailing state of affairs. People expect swift and exemplary action and rightly so," said Singh.

Corruption has become the top issue of public concern following allegations that senior officials and politicians have been involved in multi-billion-dollar scams.

Other measures considered

Singh is promising to address the problem. He said a new anti-corruption bill will be introduced in the next session of parliament, which begins in July. He said the government also is considering other measures to root out corruption.

"Our aim is to strengthen the legislative framework, revamp administrative practices and procedures and fast track systemic response to fighting corruption. A group of ministers is looking into this," said Singh.