India: Sensitizing personnel on anti-corruption - learning through UNODC - developed online modules

How to address corruption in the business sector has been a growing concern in recent times.   According to a study conducted by UNODC in India, some 70 percent of employees from both the public and private sector said that anti-corruption matters were hardly ever discussed at their workplace and that more discussions, as well as exposure to good anti-corruption practices are required.  

In response to these needs, over the last years, UNODC has been working towards developing awareness on how to address corruption in the business sector, focussing on how to encourage integrity in business practices and probity in public procurement. In this regard, UNODC has developed two online sensitization modules for Government officials including law enforcement and officials from the private and public sectors. The modules titled: 'Probity in Public Procurement' and 'Business Integrity' have been developed as interactive knowledge tools providing an overview of Indian laws, the international legal regime, provisions under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption and good practices to mitigate vulnerabilities to corruption in the private sector. 

Each module is divided into chapters and each chapter ends with a test.  The module on business integrity runs for four hours. It explains different forms of corrupt acts that can take place in the business sector like embezzlement of funds, insider trading, money laundering and their impact on the business. The module also explains how national and international laws deal with such forms of corruption.

The module on probity in public procurement is tailored specifically for Government and private sector personnel who work in procurement. This module provides an understanding of probity in public procurement, both in the Indian and the global context. The various stages of procurement are explained and the vulnerability to corruption at each stage is explained through the use of case studies. This module also looks at emerging issues like green procurement and e-procurement. There is a test at the end of each of the two modules and a candidate scoring 55 percent or above receives a certificate of completion. 

Both modules were launched on 20 August 2014 in New Delhi, India in the presence of Representatives from the Government of India, public and private sector officials and the civil society. The modules were well received by the audience, who welcomed this initiative and urged private sector companies, government officials and industry bodies to disseminate the product through the country.  

The sensitization modules were created under the UNODC projects  ( i)  Public-private partnership in probity in public procurement and  (ii)  Incentives to Corporate Integrity and Cooperation.

Both projects are supported by  the Siemens Integrity Initiative.