"In the long run, no country can afford the social, political or economic costs that corruption entails. It erodes public confidence in political institutions and leads to contempt for the rule of law; it distorts the allocation of resources and undermines competition in the marketplace; it has a devastating effect on investment, growth and development. Furthermore, corruption exacts an inordinate
ly high price on the poor by denying them access to vital basic services. A whole host of conditions can influence corruption, its different manifestations, its pervasiveness and, indeed, its perception by ordinary citizens.”
With a focus on Good Governance, Transparency International India’s three core programs are as follows:
Integrity Pact: An anti corruption tool in the field of contracting, adopted by the Central Vigilance Commission. The Integrity Pact establishes rights and obligations to ensure neither side will pay, offer, demand or accept monetary/non monetary incentives, or collude with competitors while trying to obtain the contract, during or after its completion. Advocacy and Legal Center: Envisages to help victims as well as witnesses of corruption. A helpline exists in the key cities of New Delhi, Patna, Bhopal and Chennai. Pahal, Shaasan Sudhar ki Ore: An initiative to tackle the alarming extent of bribes paid by Below Poverty Line households to avail basic services (PDS, Hospitals, School etc.) and need based services (Housing, Banking, Police etc.). The idea is to make certain transparent and accountable governance structures by empowering marginalized rural masses via tools like the Right to Information Act, Social Audits and Gram Sabhas. Implementation active in the states of Chhattisgarh, Orissa and Jharkhand.
