Corruption needs to be treated like disease: Pranab Mukherjee

New Delhi: Corruption affects the growth ofa nation and needs to be treated like a disease, President Pranab Mukherjee has said emphasising on generating awareness on its evils.

"Corruption affects the growth of a nation, reduces the government's income and creates inequalities in distribution of income and wealth. It is a major factor hindering development. It is critical that awareness is generated and public opinion developed on the evils of corruption," he said in his message on vigilance awareness week to be observed across the country from October 26.

Mukherjee said corruption needs to be treated like a disease and focus should be on prevention.

"It is appropriate that the Commission has adopted the theme of 'preventive vigilance as tool of good governance' for the current year. The measures adopted for preventive vigilance would help not only reduce corruption but also contribute towards good governance by way of increasing efficiency, transparency and adherence to rule of law," the President said.

Vice President Hamid Ansari said preventive vigilance could ensure that acts of corruption do not take place.

"It is important to create awareness among government departments, institutions and general public to implement preventive measures effectively, so that transparency and accountability can be maintained in governance and corruption eliminated at every level," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his message, said the theme chosen by Central Vigilance Commission for this year's vigilance week "shall help highlight the importance of preventive vigilance in curbing administrative malpractices, and providing good governance".