Government to focus on governance to cut graft during 12th Plan
21 Apr 2011
The full Planning Commission meeting today presided over by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was given a presentation about the ongoing 11th Plan and objectives of the 12th Plan, along with a power-point presentation on corruption in public service delivery systems and the citizens' lack of faith in administration.
Based on the public feedback over corruption and quality of governance, the 12th Five Year Plan may see government programmes being redesigned in accordance iwth public sentiments
The presentation on corruption was prepared by the Plan panel and elaborated by a senior advisor from its ranks. The salient feature of the presentation was that it was based on the feedback from citizens and features some caustic responses posted on its new website and Facebook account that were opened especially by the commission to invite suggestions from people for the 12th plan.
A query by the panel sought responses on devising a strategy to urban sprawls sought to know through its Facebook account, Twelfth plan, which elicited the repsponse, ''Get rid of all corrupt clerks who approve illegal plans becos (because) of money.'' ''Strict fine for those who are employed by the government of India for this purpose. They first take bribe so to allow the wrong things. So correct the system which is in government's hands...''
'How can Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) be improved further?' - another question by the Planning Commission. ''PMGSY is going good but the only problem is corruption which is present in the whole system from bottom to top,'' quips Divya Malik.
The Facebook account and website that have reached over 32,000 resp[onses and should leave no doubt about the deep resentment among the general public against the quality, or the lack of, governance prevailing in the country.
According to an official of the Planning Commission, the harsh feedback on its Facebook account had come as a surprise, compelling them to include it as part of the presentation for today's meeting.
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