Political corruption most lethal for society: Vice-President

New Delhi, Apr 23 (UNI) Terming political corruption as the most lethal, Vice-President Hamid Ansari today said cleansing political life was imperative as it affected society the most.

Being a growth retardent corruption affects national security as well, he said while addressing the 9th Dharamnah Prasad Kohli memorial lecture this evening.

''For this, the quality of political representatives needs to be of a high standard.'' Seen to be an endemic, corruption needs to be addressed immediately and for this the will, instrumentality and efficiency levels were imperative, he said, adding that corruption was the most important threat to the state as it was less visible than external factors.

''Not just governance, corruption also hampers development as it is multi-dimensional, increases injustice and promotes disregard for law.'' Recommending individual resolve, moral standing, simple legal structure for accountabilty, political integrity, creating awareness, allround cooperation and societal commitment for overcoming corruption, Mr Ansari said Gandhian model of individual moral character was the touchstone for it.

Speaking on 'The Enemy Within - Corruption, Development and Governance' CBI Director Vijayshankar said elimination of corruption was not only a moral imperative but an economic necessity as well, specially for us when India was aspiring to catch up with the rest of the world.

At the function Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances Prithiviraj Chavan gave the annual award for Best Head Constable to Mahendra Singh (SCR III, New Delhi), who has now been promoted as ASI SCR I, New Delhi.

UNI AN AKJ HT2040