Public perception that government not serious on corruption: A K Antony

NEW DELHI: Against the backdrop of several scams, Defence Minister A K Antony today said a perception has evolved in the public that Government was not serious about eradicating corruption from the country.


However, the Minister said the Government was making serious efforts to end the menace and this was illustrated by the implementation of the RTI Act which will "make the walls of secrecy crumble and help in eradicating corruption".

"Corruption is a menace... However, despite our serious efforts, the general perception among people is that the Government is not serious about eradicating corruption. However, our Government is serious on this issue and this is illustrated by the RTI Act," he said at a Transparency International event here.

"The RTI Act is still in a nascent stage and I am sure that in few years, the walls of secrecy will crumble in all walks of life. No institution can protect their misdeeds by secrecy because of RTI. This will help in eradicating corruption," Antony said.

In recent times, several scams have rocked the UPA government including the 2G spectrum allocation, coalgate, choppergate and the bribery scandal in the Railways Ministry.

Commenting on the steps taken by the Government to check corruption in the defence sector, he said, "Whenever we receive complaints, we do not throw them in the waste bin. Whenever anyone is found guilty, we take serious action after proper inquiry."