"New India Innovates, Initiates and Implements. New India is no longer ready to accept that corruption is part of the system. It wants its systems transparent, processes efficient and governance smooth." - Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Before Narendra Modi assumed office as Prime Minister, India's economy suffered from policy paralysis, crony capitalism, opaque transactions, widespread corruption and inefficiency in governance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure has been marked by significant legislative reforms, technological interventions, and institutional strengthening to enhance transparency and accountability in governance. From punitive actions targeting corruption to proactive measures and initiatives aimed at improving transparency, PM Modi's government has ushered in a new era of governance characterized by a commitment to integrity and efficiency. But when Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014, he instilled accountability and curbed corrupt practices. The PM sought to address the prevalent challenges by streamlining processes and leveraging e-governance to ensure efficient service delivery and timely grievance resolution.
Preventive Measures Against Corruption
One of the most impactful reforms introduced by the Modi government is Digital India, which aims to minimize human intervention, enhance transparency, and improve efficiency in governance. Leveraging the JAM trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhar, Mobile), Digital India has facilitated the implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), which has been a game-changer, with over 104 crore beneficiaries receiving benefits directly in their accounts, resulting in estimated savings of Rs. 2.7 lakh crore from improper appropriation. Furthermore, JAM Trinity has helped identify and eliminate nearly 11 crore ghost and fraudulent beneficiaries of government schemes.
Another key initiative was the Amendment to the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988, which provided more teeth to anti-corruption agencies and enhanced the penalties for corrupt practices. Strengthening laws such as the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and abolishing interviews for recruitment in government positions have minimized opportunities for corruption and ensured merit-based selection processes. Digitization initiatives, including e-filing, e-assessment, and faceless assessments, have reduced human interface, thereby mitigating the scope for corruption. Implementing e-auctions of natural resources has enhanced transparency in fund transfer and resource allocation, eliminating intermediaries and curbing corruption.
Punitive Measures Against Corruption
The enactment of critical legislations such as the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015, and the Benami Property Act, along with the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Black Money, underscores the Modi government's commitment to tackle illicit financial activities. These efforts have resulted in the initiation of numerous cases and the recovery of substantial amounts of black money.
Introducing the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act aimed at confiscating assets of economic offenders who flee the country and the compulsory retirement of errant government officials through Rule 56(j) in the CCS (Pension) Rule have further strengthened the government's resolve to combat corruption.
Improving Transparency and Accountability
Centralized platforms like the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) have allowed citizens to lodge grievances. The government e-marketplace (GeM) has streamlined public procurement and eliminated cronyism and corruption through transparent bidding processes. The introduction of e-governance and online bidding/tendering systems has streamlined procedures and minimized opportunities for corruption in public procurements, ensuring fair and competitive practices and transparent resource allocation.
Another significant shift introduced by the Modi government was the adoption of dashboards to provide real-time operational data from various ministries and departments. This move centralized authentic information, reducing reliance on piecemeal reports and curbing data manipulation for political gain. It fostered transparency, accountability, and discipline in data reporting, preventing underperformance or leakages benefitting policymakers and the public. Additionally, the government has taken decisive action against corrupt officials, retiring several income tax and customs officers on corruption charges.
Furthermore, initiatives like the One Nation One Ration Card plan and the Digital India Land Record Modification Program have leveraged technology to enhance service delivery, reduce corruption, and empower citizens. The shift towards e-office systems and supply chain management of food grains has further facilitated transparent and efficient governance practices, leaving little room for malpractice.
Conclusion
The Modi government's transformative efforts to combat corruption from the corridors of power and enhance transparency across various sectors have been remarkable. By minimizing human intervention, employing stringent penalties for bribery, and embracing technology-driven solutions, the government has empowered the poor and marginalized, reducing their dependence on intermediaries and ensuring transparent and accountable service delivery.
As India continues on its development path, PM Narendra Modi's anti-corruption efforts stand as a testament to the nation's commitment to promote accountability in public service.
