Poor India can't afford luxury of corruption, says Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said a poor country like India cannot afford the luxury of corruption and called for increased use of technology to counter the menace.

Addressing the valedictory function of Vigilance Awareness Week here, Modi also said politicians were considered to be the most corrupt.

"A poor country like India cannot afford the luxury of corruption. It is a tough challenge but we must continue to fight it. When we are vigilant in all sectors, there is a cumulative effect. There are honest countries in the world, so why can't India be one of them," said Modi.

Talking about how people often come out with "ingenious mode" to indulge in corruption, Modi said the politician community was the most infamous for corruption.

"Wherever you ask who is the most corrupt, people will say politicians. It's our community (politicians) which is the most infamous," he said.

Harping on initiatives like Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Modi said technology can play a big role in countering corruption.

"Because of DBT, we saved Rs 36,000 crore which otherwise would have been channelised to somebody's pockets. Because of use of technology we have been able to send this money to the rightful beneficiaries. Technology can play a big role in counting corruption," he said.

He also advocated for policy-driven laws.

"Ambiguity can open avenues for corruption, that is why laws should be straight and policy driven. There should not be any ifs and buts. Otherwise people will use them to suit their vested interests," Modi said.

"That is why we should focus more on policy driven laws, so there is no scope of ambiguity and thus no scope for corruption," he added.

Observing that there was a prevalent perception of "all being corrupt", Modi called for constant endeavours at vigilance and countering corruption.

"It is only some who are dishonest but there exists this perception that all are corrupt. There is also this tendency of treating corruption as an acceptable norm. We need to fight this perception. Besides use of technology, we need to spread awareness," added Modi.

--IANS

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