President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday said corruption is a big threat to democracy of the country, which hinders the efforts to bring equity. President stated this while addressing the 14th D.P. Kohli Memorial Lecture organised by the CBI.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is an apex government body established by D.P. Kohli in order to carry criminal investigation effectively. Kohli served as its director from 1963-68 and the agency is celebrating the golden jubilee this year.
While delivering his speech on the topic "Good governance: Empowering Institutions, Society and Public", the president said the government should put more efforts to make healthcare more affordable.
The president said the country was at a crossroad, and could not afford to lose the pace of change. Referring to the Indian constitution, Mukherjee said that the basic principles of good governance had already been incorporated into the constitution by the nation's founding fathers.
"Good governance means existence of elaborate architecture that has the good of the people as the only focus," the president said.
Noting that the root of poor governance was lethargy (in response) to change, he said "good governance should be our unwavering goal."
He added that the apex law enforcement agencies should increase the speed of investigation for any allegations.
Talking on the development of India, he said though India has made significant developments but still counted below the major developed economies in parameters such as government effectiveness.
"There is scope to improve participatory decision-making," the president said, noting that poverty still hovered around 30 percent.
Affordable healthcare should be given more emphasis on healthcare, as many people were forced into poverty due to costly medicines and medical services.
The president noted as how there was importance now on empowerment with entitlement, and mentioned rights-based legislations such as the right to education and the right to information performed by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government as examples.
He advocated the direct benefit scheme and said it would help bring greater transparency.
"Corruption is a threat to the democratic fabric It frustrates efforts to bring equity," the president said.
Praising to the CBI on its work, he said it was the "most sought after agency for investigation" by every section of society.
Moreover, he also revealed the golden jubilee logo of the CBI and the presented President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service to six CBI officers.
-With inputs from IANS
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