Odisha committed to root out corruption: CM

Bhubaneswar, Nov 3 (IANS) Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday said the government is firmly committed to root out corruption in all spheres, including in the critical area of delivery of basic public services to the people.

"The state government is firmly committed to root out corruption in all spheres, including in the critical area of delivery of basic public services to the people and in the implementation of welfare and developmental schemes meant for the poor, backward and weaker sections of society," said the Chief Minister.

Patnaik said public awareness, education and involvement of community are crucial for taking effective and long term measures against corruption.

Saying that anti-corruption and transparency are the two major planks of the government, he said the state has put in place transparent structures, processes and procedures in various areas of government functioning.

The government is also striving to strengthen the preventive vigilance mechanism in various government agencies, he added.

He said that over the years Odisha Vigilance has emerged as a leading anti-corruption agency in the country and is taking proactive steps to reach out to the people through use of digital media to facilitate lodging of complaints.

"It should further intensify its public outreach, and take prompt action on the complaints and grievances. I also call upon all public servants to reaffirm their commitment to curb corruption in all spheres of public service and serve the people with probity, integrity and dedication," said the Chief Minister.