Need to address corruption on war-footing: President

President Pranab Mukherjee Tuesday said corruption needed to be addressed "on a war-footing" as it remained a "major stumbling block" in the progress of India.

"Let us redouble our efforts and address corruption on a war-footing," said the president after he inaugurated a seminar on 'Combating Corruption' here on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).

"Corruption remains a major stumbling block in the progress of our nation. It has increased transaction costs, reduced efficiency of public services, distorted decision making processes and undermined the moral fibre of our society."

"Corruption has reinforced inequities and limited access to public services by the common man, especially the poor," said the president.

"We must engage in serious introspection on how both 'petty' corruption which affects the public at large and 'grand' corruption involving the higher echelons of government can be eliminated."

"The air is thick with despair and cynicism. There is an urgent need to restore the faith of our people in our governance system and the credibility of our institutions."

Mukherjee said the CVC should lead the way in cleansing the government and contribute to reversing the cynicism of public towards government functionaries.

"The CVC must re-energise itself and pro-actively lead the charge against corruption. It must expeditiously investigate all allegations of corruption without fear or favour and also ensure that vilification campaigns to destroy reputations and careers are not carried out in the name of checking corruption."

Mukherjee said the CVC should be an ally to good governance and facilitate speedy, responsible and bold decision making in the interests of the country while its members and its staff must also set an example by maintaining the highest standards of probity in the discharge of their functions.