Orissa CM Naveen Patnaik says rooting out corruption priority of Government

orissadiary.com, Oct 29, 2010
Bhubaneswar: Text of address of CM Naveen Patnaik during vigilance awareness week celebration.


I am glad to be here on the occasion of the celebration of Vigilance Awareness Week. This Awareness week is being observed all over our country. The observance of this period reminds us once again to reaffirm our commitment to the movement of rooting out corruption from all sections of society.

The focus of my Government is good governance and development. Containing corruption also remains a basic factor in achieving higher economic growth and poverty reduction. So the efforts against corruption initiated by the State Government always remain a priority.

We have enacted the Orissa Special Courts Act in 2007 to ensure speedy disposal of disproportionate assets cases, and the Orissa Special Courts Rules, 2007 have been framed accordingly. This is a unique piece of legislation in the entire country.

In pursuance to the enactment of the Act, two Special Courts have been established in the State for trial of disproportionate assets cases against persons holding high political and public offices. These Courts have two Authorized Officers to confiscate the property of Corrupt Officers. This is a bold and unique step taken by the Government.

The State Government has already established 9 Special Vigilance Courts and has also notified 3 more Special Courts at Kandhamal, Kalahandi and Koenjhar. This is a pioneering effort by my Government.

I congratulate Orissa Vigilance Department for its relentless efforts against corrupt officials. It has earned the reputation of being one of the best anti-corruption wings in the country. Not only they have registered a large number of cases but also achieved 50 per cent conviction which is a commendable achievement.

The State Government has been taking exemplary actions on convicted officials including dismissal from service. Over the years our Government has established its commitment to eradicate corruption and people of the State have responded overwhelmingly by reposing their faith in our actions and on the Government.

You have just now taken a solemn oath not to offer any bribe to any one and maintain absolute honesty in all your dealings in life. People should come forward in exposing the corrupt. Today, the State is marching ahead in all spheres of development. Hence, it is all the more important for each one of us to ensure that corrupt practices do not derail the process of economic growth and development. My government is taking all steps to stop the menace of corruption with active public participation which is manifested by increasing number of Trap cases over the years.

The pledge you have taken today on this occasion, I am sure, will go a long way in spreading the message of honesty and integrity as the universal way of life, and to be practiced by one and all, for the betterment of our State as a whole.