President Droupadi Murmu today expressed confidence that government’s policy of “Zero Tolerance Against Corruption” will eradicate corruption from its roots. She said that integrity and discipline are considered the ideals of life in Indian society. The President was addressing an event marking Vigilance Awareness Week 2024 of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) in New Delhi. She said corruption is a disease which must be eliminated at its root. President Murmu said government has taken several initiatives to tackle corruption. She cited Direct Benefit Transfer scheme, e-Marketplace, and Economic Offenders Act as some of these measures.

The President said that prompt legal action against corrupt persons is extremely important. She said delay in action or weak action encourages unethical persons. She however emphasised that every action and person should not be viewed with suspicion. She added that the objective of any action should be to establish justice and equality in the society.

Asserting that trust is the foundation of social life, President Murmu said, corruption is not only an obstacle to economic progress but it also reduces the amount of trust in the society. She said, every year on 31 October, on the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, people take a pledge to keep the country’s unity and integrity intact. The President asserted that the country has a collective responsibility to fulfill the pledge. She said public trust in government’s work and welfare schemes is the source of power for governance. She stressed corruption is not only an obstacle to economic progress. 

Speaking on the occasion, Central Vigilance Commissioner PK Srivastava said government has a policy of zero tolerance towards corruption. He said several measures have been taken for faster disposal of complaints. Mr Srivastava said Central Vigilance Commission has also given thrust to capacity building of employees. He added that emphasis has been made on simplification of procedures.