D Raja writes to PM

Terming a proposal by government's chief economic adviser to legalise bribery as "dangerous and unethical," the CPI today asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to clarify whether he endorsed it.

Terming a proposal by government's chief economic adviser to legalise bribery as "dangerous and unethical," the CPI on Saturday asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to clarify whether he endorsed it.

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"I am alarmed by a recent proposal of the chief economic adviser, whereby paying bribes would be made legal. This proposal, made by Professor Kaushik Basu in a paper posted on the Finance Ministry's website, is dangerous and unethical. It is especially objectionable at a time when the entire nation is concerned about the spread of corruption," CPI National Secretary D Raja said in a letter to the Prime Minister Manmohan Sigh.

He also urged Singh to clarify whether he endorsed Basu's proposal and demanded the removal of the paper from the official website.

"At a time when corruption is a major issue for the nation, and when there is a surge of popular resentment against corruption, it is alarming to see the Government's chief economic advisor making superficial comments on this issue and making proposals that would effectively condone corruption," the CPI leader said.