UN Convention against corruption

India will shortly ratify the UN convention against corruption, signed by it almost six years ago , Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said on Monday.

"As far as the UN convention on graft is considered, there is a long legal procedure. The convention would be ratified shortly," Mukherjee said at a press meet here today. India singed the convention in 2005, along with other 139 countries. The purpose of the convention is to strengthen measures to prevent and combat corruption through international cooperation among other measures.

The convention also includes model preventive policies, such as the establishment of anticorruption bodies and enhanced transparency in the financing of election campaigns and political parties. It also provides for assistance and cooperation for asset recovery, particularly in case of embezzlement of public funds. Mukherjee, who is the chairperson of the 10-member Lokpal Bill, aimed to fight corruption, which includes five representatives from the civil society.