Date:07/11/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/11/07/stories/2009110760120900.htm

Tamil Nadu

Need to combat corruption stressed

Special Correspondent

Customs organises Vigilance Awareness programme

— Photo: S.S. Kumar

MORE TRANSPARENCY: (From left) C. Rajan, Commissioner of Customs (Imports); N. Ram, Editor-in-Chief, The Hindu; and G.V. Naik, Chief Commissioner of Customs, at the Vigilance Awareness Week celebrations held at Customs House in Chennai on Friday.

CHENNAI: The need for controlling corruption and bringing in greater transparency in government and private organisations was stressed by several speakers at a Vigilance Awareness programme organised by Customs authorities here on Friday.

Explaining the measures taken up by the Department, C. Rajan, Commissioner of Customs (Imports), Seaport, said senior officials conducted surprised checks in sensitive areas such as the container freight station, airport and docks area. Officers had been sensitised to issues relating to corruption and transparency. In order to help trade and industry, the officers had been instructed to speed up the process of clearance of consignments. Trade representatives had been advised to contact senior officers in case they faced any problem.

N. Ram, Editor-in-Chief, The Hindu, said the Central Vigilance Commission had taken up in a coherent way the issue of corruption in the country. The idea of observing the vigilance awareness week was important, but it was not getting the desired attention from the media.

Huge problem

Corruption was a huge problem in India and countries such as China. Both were fast growing economies, which contributed to growth even during global economic slowdown.

Dealing with corruption, be it in the government departments or in the private sector, was a major challenge.

Praising the department for generating huge revenue even during recession, Mr. Ram opined that its activities had not been fully highlighted by the media.

Awareness about corruption should be taken to the schools.

“Once you implant these ideas with the boys and girls at an early stage, they will begin to understand what is wrong and its implications. This will pay off in the long run,” Mr. Ram said.

G.V. Naik, Chief Commissioner of Customs, Chennai; S.S. Rana, Additional Director General, Vigilance; and P.S. Krishnan, president, Custom House Agents Association, were among those who spoke.