GlobE Network – INTERNATIONAL RELATION

India has been elected to the fifteen-member steering committee of the GlobE Network following a multi-stage voting process during a plenary session in Beijing.

 

What is GlobE Network?

  • The Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE Network) is an initiative launched under the G20 framework to address international corruption and financial crime.
  • India’s election to the steering committee will allow it to actively contribute to global efforts in combating corruption and facilitating asset recovery.
  • The GlobE Network provides a platform for international cooperation, enhancing the ability of member countries to address cross-border corruption and financial crime.
    • India has been a supporter of this initiative since 2020, with the network officially launched on June 3, 2021, during a UN General Assembly Special Session against Corruption (UNGASS).
  • The network enables global agencies to exchange best practices, share criminal intelligence, and devise strategies to combat corruption.
  • It is led by a chair, vice-chair, and thirteen committee members who provide guidance to the organization.
  • Today, the GlobE Network includes 121 member countries and 219 member authorities.
  • The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) serves as the Central Authority for GlobE Network in India, while the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) represent India as member authorities.
  • During India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, two key principles for combating corruption were adopted, focusing on the use of the GlobE Network to further global anti-corruption efforts.

 

About the GlobE Network:

  • Origin: Launched in June 2021 under the G20 framework during a UN General Assembly Special Session against Corruption (UNGASS).
  • Members: It currently includes 121 member countries and 219 authorities worldwide.
  • Aim: To facilitate international cooperation in combating cross-border corruption and financial crime, and to support asset recovery efforts.
  • Powers: The network enables global agencies to exchange criminal intelligence, best practices, and devise joint strategies to fight corruption.

 

Key measures taken by Government to combat corruption:

  • Direct Benefit Transfer: Welfare benefits are disbursed directly to citizens through a transparent mechanism to minimize corruption.
  • E-Tendering: Public procurement processes have been digitized to enhance transparency and competition.
  • E-Governance: Simplification of procedures and systems to make government services more accessible and transparent.
  • Discontinuation of Interviews: Interviews for Group ‘B’ and ‘C’ posts have been eliminated to reduce bias and corruption in recruitment.
  • Prevention of Corruption Act 1988: The Act was amended in 2018 to criminalize bribery and impose vicarious liability on senior management in organizations, targeting high-level corruption.
  • Central Vigilance Commission: The CVC has recommended adopting Integrity Pacts in major procurement to ensure integrity and prompt investigations of misconduct.
  • Lokpal: The Lokpal has been established to directly handle complaints against public servants, enhancing accountability under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-elected-to-globe-network-steering-committee-in-beijing/article68686063.ece