Efficacious governance key to achieve growth, development: CJI

New Delhi: Terming "deep-rooted malaise" of corruption as biggest challenge faced by the country, Chief Justice of India HL Dattu has advocated for an efficacious governance through independent political and administrative institutions to achieve goals of growth and development.

"Corruption not only impedes efficient governance, but is also a threat to our democratic ideals and the moral fabric of our polity.

"It is because of this reason that punishing individual cases is no longer sufficient. Prevention is the only effective remedy against the malaise of corruption," he said in his message for vigilance awareness week beginning from Monday.

Favouring the policy of 'catch-them-young', the Chief Justice lauded the efforts of the CVC in educating the youths about evils of corruption.

Dattu said the goals of growth and development can be achieved through "fair and efficacious governance" which requires robust and independent, political and administrative institutions.

"The story of any great nation is not merely the summation of its triumphs but also of its challenges and struggles. Today, as India stands on the brink of true greatness, the deep-rooted malaise of corruption is perhaps the biggest challenge that we face," the CJI said.

The vigilance awareness week is being organised by Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) from October 26 to 31.

"What is required is constant and tireless vigilance, not only over the actions of those around us, but over ourselves.

"Let each and every citizen of this nation take an oath to police himself, in thought, word and action, that we may, together, step forward into a new tomorrow filled with hope, where the ideals of trust and integrity stand firm as the pillars of our collective public lives," Dattu said.

CAG Shashi Kant Sharma, in his message to the Commission, said accountability and transparency are two important pillars of good governance, and without them effective and responsive government is not possible.

"Corruption is a serious and complex malaise which is to be fought with multifaceted strategies. Preventive vigilance is one such strategy. It aims at constant review of rules, procedures and practises which are susceptible to corruption," said Sharma.