The UPA government has a “zero tolerance” policy for corruption but that does not mean it is implemented in practice.

In fact, Cabinet Secretary KM Chandrasekhar has, in a letter to all secretaries to the government, referred to “some disturbing incidents” of irregularities and asked them to combat corruption “fully and effectively”.

“Of late there have been some disturbing incidents which call for serious introspection by civil servants. It is important that we ponder over the manner in which we discharge our duties and fulfill our responsibilities and what we need to do to refurbish our image,” the topmost bureaucrat wrote in the letter dated March 3, accessed by Governance Now.

“The issue of corruption needs to be addressed fairly and squarely. The government's policy of zero tolerance for corruption must be implemented fully and effectively,” he noted, calling for preventive vigilance and transparency in decision making. Failing which, Chandrasekhar has also warned that “stringent action must be taken against officers found guilty. Disciplinary proceedings must be expedited.”

He has urged the secretaries to “uphold our core values” and “set an example” for their colleagues. “The civil services must work wholeheartedly to provide good governance.”

Here is the full text of the letter:

March 3, 2010

Dear Secretary,

Of late there have been some disturbing incidents which call for serious introspection by civil servants. It is important that we ponder over the manner in which we discharge our duties and fulfil our responsibilities and what we need to do to refurbish our image.

2. Civil servants are appointed on the basis of a fair and open competition. We must respond in full measure to the faith that citizens have reposed in us and meet their hopes and aspirations of good governance. Integrity, honesty, objectivity, impartiality, transparency, accountability and devotion to duty are the core values which civil servants should cherish and which should form an integral part of our decisions and actions.

3. The issue of corruption needs to be addressed fairly and squarely. The Government's policy of zero tolerance for corruption must be implemented fully and effectively. Preventive vigilance should be strengthened. Transparency must be introduced in decision making and in all our systems. Stringent action must be taken against officers found guilty. Disciplinary proceedings must be expedited.

4. We need to stand by and uphold our core values. Senior officers must set an example and mentor their colleagues. The Civil Services must work wholeheartedly to provide good governance.

5. Please share these sentiments with all officers. Let us resolve to serve the nation and the citizens in a committed manner.

With regards,

Yours sincerely,

K. M. CHANDRASEKHAR

CABINET SECRETARY

NEW DELHI