Issue of ''corruption'' forced me to come to J

Jammu, Jan 11 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today said issues like ''corruption'' and ''apathy'' of politicians and bureaucrats towards society forced him to come to the state for active politics.

Speaking at a function of Seventh Bi-Annual Conference of State Vigilance Organisation (SVO) here, Mr Azad today highlighted the achievements of State Vigilance Organisation (SVO) in controlling the corruption in the state. He said his government is dealing with the corruption and despite 2008 being a crucial year in accordance with the elections, 'corruption' remains core issue for his government.

''The issue of 'corruption' inspired me to come to Jammu and Kashmir and I will remain restricted in dealing with this issue,'' he said adding that unconcern of politicians and bureaucrats towards common masses, forced him to change his direction towards the politics of Jammu and Kashmir, to which he belongs.

He said the Ministers and MLAs hibernate at the time any militancy related incident or any natural calamity takes place but he used to fly from Delhi and reach the sites despite being in the Centre.

''There was inflow of money for the incident-affected sites but the funds were not utilised for the purpose,'' Mr Azad said.

He said this is an era of globalisation and there is survival of the fittest. The Chief Minister said ''You have to work harder to survive and to compete with your colleagues, neighbouring states and politicians.'' ''Growth and development are the keys for any prosperous state and I am committed to make Jammu and Kashmir prosperous-- for this, I am here,'' Mr Azad said.

''Our primary duty should be to bring change in the system-- and elected representatives and government employees are extremely responsible in bringing changes in the society,'' Mr Azad said.

Everyone tries to make money while dealing with financial transactions, Mr Azad said adding ''A rotten apple spoils the full box and a fish pollutes the whole pond, so I don't expect angels in this 21st century.'' However, the Chief Minister assured that Jammu and Kashmir would soon be accountable and corruption free state.

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