Government won't tolerate corruption

The government is committed to "zero tolerance against corruption" and in the process is encouraging greater transparency in decision making, parliament was informed Wednesday.

"The government is fully committed to implement its policy of 'zero tolerance against corruption'," Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh told the Lok Sabha.

"Corruption thrives where transparency is lacking, procedures are complicated, discretion of a high order is permitted and where there is a demand supply gap," he said in a written answer.

"The government is tackling these situations by encouraging greater transparency, introducing simplified procedures, reducing scope for discretion," the minister said.

Jitendra Singh said the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act a total of 2,200 cases against government officials in 2011-14.

The number stood at 600 in 2011, increased to 703 in 2012, dropped to 649 in 2013 and totalled 268 until May 31 this year.