PM Modi emphasizes: Corruption hits hardest on the poor and marginalized, speaking at G20.
In a recent virtual address at the G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial Meet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the detrimental impact of corruption on the lives of the poor and marginalized. He highlighted how corruption hampers resource utilization, distorts markets, affects service delivery, and ultimately diminishes people’s quality of life. The Prime Minister also cautioned against greed, which he believes prevents us from grasping the truth.
Addressing the international gathering, Prime Minister Modi extended a warm welcome to the attendees in the spirit of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s city. Drawing inspiration from Tagore’s writings, Modi stressed the importance of curbing greed, as it blinds us to reality. He also referred to the teachings of the Upanishads, advocating for an attitude devoid of greed.
The Prime Minister invoked Kautilya’s teachings in the Arthashastra, highlighting the government’s duty to enhance resources to ensure the welfare of its citizens. He expressed a sense of pride in declaring that India upholds a rigorous policy of showing absolutely no tolerance towards corruption. Furthermore, India is proactively utilizing technology and e-governance to create a system that is transparent and accountable.
Modi underscored the strides made in plugging leaks and gaps in welfare programs and government initiatives. He proudly shared that through direct benefit transfers, over 360 billion dollars have reached millions of Indians, resulting in savings exceeding 33 billion dollars. The government’s commitment to simplifying procedures for businesses was also highlighted, with automation and digitization of services eradicating opportunities for corruption.
The Prime Minister drew attention to the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal, which has brought transparency to government procurement processes. He shifted focus to the Economic Offenders Act enacted in 2018, revealing the government’s aggressive pursuit of economic offenders. More than 1.8 billion dollars in assets have been reclaimed from individuals involved in economic offenses and individuals evading the law. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act has further facilitated asset attachment, with assets worth more than 12 billion dollars seized since 2014.
Modi reminisced about his previous G20 summits and his discussions about fugitive economic offenders. He presented a comprehensive agenda at the 2018 G20 Summit, emphasizing action against such offenders and asset recovery. The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved by the working group in this regard.
Emphasizing the importance of prompt asset tracing and the identification of ill-gotten gains, Modi encouraged nations to bolster their domestic asset recovery mechanisms. He proposed that G20 nations lead by example, using non-conviction-based confiscation methods to expedite the recovery of foreign assets. This, he believed, would ensure the swift return and extradition of criminals following due judicial processes, sending a powerful message about the united fight against corruption.
The Prime Minister strongly emphasized that when G20 nations work together, they can make a substantial impact in the battle against corruption. He highlighted the importance of stronger global collaboration and the adoption of strong measures to address the fundamental reasons behind corruption.
Modi also underscored the vital importance of audit institutions in the fight against corruption. In closing, he urged the dignitaries to cultivate ethical and integral values within their respective systems, emphasizing the need to fortify administrative and legal structures. He concluded by stating that only through these efforts could a foundation be laid for a just and sustainable society.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address at the G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial Meet highlighted the grave impact of corruption on vulnerable populations and the imperative of ethical governance. His call to combat greed and corruption, coupled with his commitment to transparency and accountability, underlined India’s dedication to the cause. Through a detailed outline of initiatives, legislations, and collaborations, Modi projected a vision of collective international efforts that can make a substantial difference in the fight against corruption.