Need for a Holistic Approach to Eradicate Corruption: President Murmu
New Delhi: On Friday, President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the negative impact of corruption on economic progress, national unity, and integrity. She asserted that a holistic approach is essential to eliminate corruption, focusing on addressing its root causes rather than merely treating symptoms. President Murmu expressed confidence in the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, stating that it will help eradicate this menace from the ground up.
The President made these remarks while addressing the Central Vigilance Commission’s (CVC) Vigilance Awareness Week event at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. CVC observes this week annually to honor the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. She praised this year’s theme, “Prosperity of the Nation through a Culture of Integrity,” as highly relevant. Among those on stage were Central Vigilance Commissioner P.K. Srivastava, Vigilance Commissioner A.S. Rajeev, and CVC Secretary P. Daniel.
President Murmu highlighted that the elimination of corruption, often deemed an impossible task, is achievable with the right resolve and dedication. She cited the positive results of the “Swachh Bharat” (Clean India) initiative, stating that with strong leadership, political will, and citizen support, significant progress was made in sanitation, dispelling the belief that India’s destiny was “eternal uncleanliness.”
Over the past decade, she noted, the central government has taken impactful measures to combat corruption, such as the implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to enhance transparency in welfare distribution, e-tendering for public procurement, and the establishment of an e-marketplace. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) has led to the seizure of over $12 billion in assets, which President Murmu sees as further proof of the government’s commitment to a corruption-free India.
Highlighting the importance of prompt legal action against corrupt individuals, President Murmu warned that delays or leniency in prosecution can embolden unethical behavior. However, she also stressed that not all actions or individuals should be viewed with suspicion; due process should honor dignity, and actions should aim to ensure justice and equality in society.
Reflecting on Sardar Patel’s legacy, she encouraged all citizens to uphold India’s unity and integrity, stressing that this is a solemn responsibility, not merely a ritual. She added that ethics form the ideal of Indian society, but individuals who measure success by wealth accumulation stray from this ideal, often resorting to unethical activities. True happiness, she noted, lies in living a dignified life with fulfilled basic needs.
President Murmu concluded by underscoring the societal harm caused by corruption, as it erodes trust and weakens national unity. She pointed out that corruption damages the bonds of fraternity and diminishes the nation’s cohesion. To genuinely tackle this issue, she emphasized, it is crucial to address the underlying causes rather than focusing solely on visible symptoms.