The United Nations Global Compact, the UN agency that works for responsible corporate citizenship, has lauded the Centre's efforts to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms in the country.
Head of Transparency and Anti-corruption Initiatives of UNGC, Olajobi Makinwa, told Business Line in an interview that corruption in India was “pertinent” considering the level of poverty here.
She said the UNGC was currently focusing on the fight against corruption in procurement, which is prevalent all over the world. “The impact of corruption in procurement is different from one country to another. Now, they are trying to address the menace as it has impacted the bottom line of Governments and private companies,” Makinwa said. She said the Indian Government's decision to frame a law to address the issues in corruption was welcome. “With the ratification of United Nations Convention Against Corruption, India is duty-bound to strengthen legislations against corruption. The Government of India's decision to bring a legislation to address the issue of corruption in procurement is a welcome step,” she said, and added that along with promulgation, implementation was also important.
Makinwa, A Nigerian citizen, said corruption was an issue not just in developing countries. “Countries like the United States and Britain are also fighting the menace. Governments in China, Brazil and India are also taking firm steps against corruption,” she said. “Recently, China and Brazil have made a number of legislations to address the issue of corruption,” she added.
The UNGC, she said, is working closely with governments, private companies and civil societies for collective action against corruption. “Governments solely cannot be blamed for corruption. The private sector should also address the challenge of corruption. Today, nobody wants to work for a crook. The problem has to be addressed in holistic manner,” she said.
The UNGC has launched a national consultation to enhance transparency and anti-corruption measures in procurement in India. “We will help the government to formulate an effective law against corruption in procurement,” Makinwa added.