Work done to prevent corruption in the public procurement system

The mass media, which is the mirror of society, along with the achievements and positive changes in the life of our country, also reflect the acute fight against corruption, which is the enemy of development. It is also true that our compatriots read messages on this topic in print and electronic publications, analytical and critical articles on this topic, and learn about corruption crimes and about the areas in which this scourge is rampant.

It is known that corruption seriously undermines the political and economic development of any state and society, leading to the violation of human rights and freedoms.

Article 5 of the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On combating corruption” defines the main directions of state policy in the field of fighting against corruption , which increase the legal awareness and legal culture of the population, the formation of an intolerant attitude towards corruption in society, and the adoption of measures to prevent corruption in all spheres of life of the state and society, implementation of measures for the timely detection and suppression of corruption offenses, elimination of their consequences, causes and conditions that are conducive for corruption, ensuring the principle of inevitability of liability for corruption offenses.

Article 15 of this law defines the procedure for the participation of the media in the fight against corruption. In accordance with it, the media participate in the development and implementation of state programs in the field of combating corruption and other programs. They highlight the implementation of state policy in the field of combating corruption, including measures to improve the legal awareness and legal culture of the population, the formation of an intolerant attitude towards corruption in society. They exercise public control over the implementation of anti-corruption legislation and collaborate with government agencies and other organizations in this area. 

Although the media is considered the fourth power, it is deemed the most effective tool in exercising public control over the other three powers. Based on this, it is advisable to fully use the potential of print and electronic publications, the potential of bloggers and journalists in combating corruption. 

Corruption is the use by officials of their position, rights and powers in their personal interests for the purpose of personal enrichment. If the fight against corruption is not carried out in a timely manner, citizens lose trust in the ongoing reforms, and injustice arises in existing social relations in society.

Unfortunately, today it is difficult to say that there is no corruption in some area. We see its roots in all areas, even in the relations of ordinary citizens with heads and employees of state bodies. A comprehensive approach is needed to break the chain of corruption.

In recent years, large-scale work has been carried out in our country to combat and prevent corruption in all areas. In particular, the implementation of the “Sphere without corruption” project is a vivid confirmation of this.

By the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated June 29,
2020 “On additional measures to improve the anti-corruption system in the Republic of Uzbekistan”, the Anti-Corruption Agency was established. The agency has ample opportunities for its work, including the power to suspend dubious decisions of the heads of state bodies on corruption cases, and the power to make submissions to the ministries in these cases.

The fight against corruption is necessary in all spheres, in cooperation. In this process, the media acts as the closest assistant and an effective tool. 

A memorandum is expected to be signed between the Creative Association of Journalists of Uzbekistan and the Anti-Corruption Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The purpose of this is to establish long-term and effective cooperation in the field of anti-corruption measures and their coverage in media. The parties will take the necessary measures to widely promote anti-corruption processes, to organize meetings and round tables to improve the skills of journalists in the field of combating corruption in the Association and its affiliates, editorial offices.

Within the framework of the Memorandum, the main tasks of the Association will be:

– wide coverage in the media of ongoing measures to combat corruption;

– ensuring transparency and openness of public control by the media in the fight against corruption and creating opportunities for an objective assessment of the population;

– improvement of information interaction between the media and the Agency;

– promotion of timely detection of corruption offenses, the elimination of their consequences, causes and conditions, as well as the principle of inevitability of liability for corruption offenses in the media;

– attracting the media and the attention of the general public to the fight against corruption;

– raising the legal awareness and legal culture of young journalists, the formation of an intolerant attitude towards corruption in society;

– participation in the formation of an atmosphere of intolerance towards corruption in society;

– informing the general public about the effectiveness of the results achieved in the fight against corruption;

– promote media coverage of achievements and shortcomings in ensuring transparency and legality in the field of public procurement, as well as the results of ongoing tenders (selection);