Issue Of Fugitive Economic Offenders A Challenge For Global South: PM Modi At G20 Anti-Corruption Meet

PM Modi said that the issue of fugitive economic offenders is a challenge for all G20 countries and for the Global South.

PM Modi said that the issue of fugitive economic offenders is a challenge for all G20 countries and for the Global South. ( Image Source :Twitter/PTI )

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that the issue of fugitive economic offenders is a challenge for all G20 countries and for the Global South. In a virtual address at the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group's meeting being held in Kolkata, PM Modi recalled his address during the 2018 G20 Summit and mentioned the nine-point agenda for action against Fugitive Economic Offenders and for Asset Recovery he gave back then.

"The issue of fugitive economic offenders is a challenge for all G20 countries and for the Global South. At my very first G-20 Summit in 2014, I spoke on this very issue. At the G-20 Summit in 2018, I presented a nine-point agenda for action against Fugitive Economic Offenders and for Asset Recovery. And I am pleased to note that decisive steps are being taken by your group," PM Modi said.

"We welcome the action-oriented High Level Principles on three priority areas: Law enforcement cooperation through information sharing; Strengthening asset recovery mechanisms; and Enhancing integrity and effectiveness of anti-corruption authorities," he added.  The Opposition has been vocal against the Centre about the escape of fugitive Businessman Vijay Mallya, Diamantaire Nirav Modi, and businessman Mehul Chowksi. The issue was also raised in Parliament during the Monsoon session, which concluded on Friday.

"To expedite the recovery of foreign assets, G20 countries can set an example by using non-conviction based confiscation. This will ensure swift return and extradition of criminals after the due judicial process," PM Modi said.

During his address PM Modi also said that the impact of corruption is felt the most by the poor and the marginalised and it affects resource utilisation. He further said that fighting corruption is our sacred duty to our people. "The impact of corruption is felt the most by the poor and the marginalized. It affects resource utilization. It distorts markets. It impacts service delivery and ultimately, it diminishes people's quality of life, PM Modi said.

VIDEO | "Fighting corruption is our sacred duty to our people," says PM Modi as he virtually addresses G20 anti-corruption ministerial meeting in Kolkata. pic.twitter.com/MXQMmR7Op4

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 12, 2023

VIDEO | “The impact of corruption is felt the most by the poor and the marginalised,” says PM Modi in his virtual address at the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group's third and final meeting being held in Kolkata. pic.twitter.com/vOp0cSGMT3

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 12, 2023

"In the Arthashastra, Kautilya asserts that the government's duty is to enhance the State's resources to maximize the welfare of its people. Achieving this goal requires combating corruption and that is why, fighting corruption is our sacred duty to our people," he added.

PM Modi stressed upon the issue of corruption and said that India has a Zero Tolerance against it. He further stated that leakages and gaps in welfare schemes and government projects are being plugged.

"India has a strict policy of Zero Tolerance against corruption. We are leveraging technology and e-governance to create a transparent and accountable eco-system. Leakages and gaps in welfare schemes and government projects are being plugged. Hundreds of million people in India have received direct benefit transfers into their bank accounts. The value of such transfers has crossed 360 billion dollars, saving us over 33 billion dollars," PM Modi said.

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