Government committed to anti-graft law, Indian premier Singh says

Dec 31, 2011, 13:39 GMT

New Delhi - The Indian government was committed to enacting anti-graft legislation, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Saturday, admitting that corruption was a serious problem that needed a 'multi-dimensional response.'

The ruling alliance led by the Indian National Congress has been severely criticized for its failure to ensure passage of the Lokpal bill in parliament. The legislation envisages the creation of an independent ombudsman with powers to prosecute politicians and civil servants.

'It is unfortunate that the bill could not be passed ... However, our government is committed to the enactment of an effective Lokpal Act,' Singh said in a New Year message to the nation.

Ministers have said the bill will be discussed in parliament's budget session in February.

Promising an 'honest and more efficient government,' Singh said his administration had taken several steps to tackle corruption, but that Indians should be patient as the initiatives 'will take time to have their full effect.'

Singh expressed concern over inflation and the slowdown in the economy. He listed the economy, energy and national security among five key challenges that will top his policy agenda in 2012.

Anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare has called the Lokpal bill 'weak' and has threatened to campaign against the Congress party in state elections from January.

Hazare mobilized massive public support and held protest fasts for the ombudsman bill, prompting the government to accelerate proceedings on the legislation.

The bill has been in the pipeline for decades, but several drafts have failed to gain approval from both houses of parliament over the last 42 years.