Santhanam Committee Report (1964)

Santhanam Committee Report (1964)

The Santhanam Committee Report (1964), officially known as the Committee on Prevention of Corruption Report, was a landmark document in India aimed at addressing and combating corruption within public administration. Chaired by K. Santhanam, the committee was formed by the Government of India to assess the prevalence of corruption in various government departments and suggest preventive measures to curb it.

Key Highlights of the Report

• Extent of Corruption: The report highlighted the growing extent of corruption in public services, identifying it as a significant threat to development and democratic integrity.
• Causes of Corruption: The committee identified several causes, including weak regulatory frameworks, lack of accountability, inadequate administrative supervision, and low salaries.
• Establishment of Vigilance Machinery: It recommended the creation of a Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) as an independent authority to oversee corruption cases within the public sector. This led to the establishment of the CVC in 1964, marking a crucial step in institutionalizing anti-corruption efforts in India.
• Strengthening Disciplinary Actions: The report suggested stringent disciplinary actions against corrupt officials and recommended measures for more efficient and timely investigations.
• Code of Conduct for Public Servants: The committee recommended a strict code of conduct and ethics for government employees to instill integrity and transparency in their roles.
• Increased Public Awareness: The report emphasized the importance of public awareness and participation in combating corruption, recommending educational campaigns to inform citizens about the harms of corruption and their role in preventing it.

Impact

• The Santhanam Committee Report served as a foundation for India's anti-corruption framework. Its recommendation for a vigilance body led to the formation of the CVC, which continues to function as a pivotal institution in overseeing anti-corruption efforts in the country. The report also underscored the need for transparency and accountability in public administration, setting a precedent for future anti-corruption reforms.