New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday said “pervasive corruption” was tarnishing the image of the country and also discouraging investors besides being an impediment to its integration with the world economy.
“The world respects our democracy, our plural and secular values, our independent judiciary...our pursuit of equitable and inclusive growth. But pervasive corruption in our country tarnishes our image.
“It also discourages investors, who expect fair treatment and transparent dealings. As the country grows and integrates with the world economy, corruption continues to be an impediment to harnessing the best of technology and resources,” he told the 17th biennial conference of CBI and state anti-corruption bureaux in the national capital.
Stressing on the urgent need to combat the menace of corruption, the Prime Minister said, “Corruption distorts the rule of law and weakens institutions. It hurts our economic growth in a variety of ways, apart from hindering our efforts to build a just, fair and equitable society.”
Seeking effective participation of the CBI and officers of various state governments in “war against corruption”, he said, “The malaise of corruption, so sapping our efforts to march ahead as a nation, should be treated immediately and effectively.”