NCJ Number
191501
Date Published
December 2000
Length
8 pages
Annotation
After reviewing the dimensions of the problem of public corruption in India, this paper describes some recent innovations undertaken to address the problem.
Abstract
The high level of corruption in public agencies has been a matter of great concern to successive governments in India. There are indications that corruption is pervasive, extending even to those with the authority to make crucial decisions that involve large sums of public money. The Central Bureau of Investigation is the primary Federal agency responsible for investigating corruption cases. The fight against corruption is also conducted by a system of Vigilance Officers in each government ministry, as well as government-owned Public Sector Undertaking. Vigilance Officers scrutinize major contracts entered into by public agencies and also conduct investigations of employees suspected of corruption. Every State also has it own Anti-Corruption Bureau. Some recent innovations designed to counter corruption are the elimination of loopholes in the Anti-graft Law, the grant of autonomy to the Central Bureau of Investigation, the employment of technical and specialized staff who provide expert advice on investigations, the use of computers in investigations, the role of the Central Vigilance Commission, the transparency of anti-corruption work, and the mobilization of public opinion. 7 references