New Delhi: The second Anti-Corruption Working Group Meeting (ACWG) of G20, scheduled to begin tomorrow in Rishikesh, will emphasize India’s commitment to combat economic offenders and maintain zero tolerance against corruption, said Union minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday.
During a pre-event media briefing held at the National Media Centre, the minister highlighted India’s stance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi in preventing economic offenders from fleeing the country and seeking refuge in nations with lenient laws.
He recalled that in 2018, during Argentina’s G20 Presidency, PM Modi presented a nine point agenda for action against fugitive economic offences and asset recovery. The agenda called for strong cooperation among G20 countries in legal processes and mechanisms to deny safe haven to fugitive economic offenders, implementation of international commitments, comprehensive exchange of information, formulation of a standard definition of fugitive economic offenders, and more.
Jitendra Singh stated that based on these objectives, the G20 countries committed to exploring the links between corruption and other economic crimes and finding ways to address them. This includes cooperation on the return of individuals sought for such offenses and the recovery of stolen assets.
Highlighting India’s priorities for the G20 ACWG meeting, the minister outlined five key themes: international cooperation against corruption, integrity and effectiveness of public bodies combating corruption, the role of audit institutions in anti-corruption efforts, leveraging information and communications technology (ICT) to combat corruption in the public sector, and the intersection of gender and corruption.
India is organizing a special event during the second G20 ACWG meeting in Rishikesh titled “G20’s Perspective on Synergizing Gender Sensitivity with Anti-Corruption Strategies.” The event, to be held on 25 May, 2023, will feature high-level keynote speakers, governmental experts from G20 countries and international organizations, as well as grassroots representatives. It aims to highlight India’s experiences where anti-corruption measures have empowered women.
In addition, India is preparing a compendium of good practices from G20 ACWG members regarding the role of auditing in combating corruption. This initiative aims to enhance collaboration between Supreme Audit Authorities and anti-corruption bodies, promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public finances.
Furthermore, India is developing an Accountability Report for 2023 with a focus on analyzing the efficiency of Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) procedures for corruption and other criminal offenses. This report aims to address practical issues and foster international cooperation in the fight against corruption.
Jitendra Singh expressed his hope that the G20 ACWG meeting would provide a platform for India to engage with other countries, exchange knowledge, shape policies, and enhance international cooperation, ultimately strengthening India’s anti-corruption framework.
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