'The malaise of corruption, so sapping our efforts to march ahead as a nation, should be treated immediately and effectively. And all of you present here today can contribute substantially in this war against corruption,' he said.

Highlighting a roadmap for weeding out corruption, the prime minister said the battle had to be fought at many levels and called for systemic improvement.

'The design of development programmes should provide for more transparency and accountability. Systems and procedures which are opaque, complicated, centralised and discretionary are a fertile breeding ground for the evil of corruption,' he said.

The prime minister exhorted CBI officers to pursue high-level corruption aggressively and urged them not to let 'the big fish' get away easily.

'There is a pervasive feeling that while petty cases get tackled quickly, the big fish escape punishment. This has to change. Rapid, fair and accurate investigation of allegations of corruption in high places should remain your utmost priority.'

Pointing out that people reposed immense trust in the CBI, especially when big crimes take place, the prime minister also pointed to the partiality of the investigating agency on some occasions.

'I would say that the people have great faith and expectations from you. This is evident from the frequent public demand for a CBI investigation especially when a serious crime takes place. I urge the officers of the CBI to do their utmost to live up to this expectation. There have been occasions in the recent past when the conduct of the bureau has come in for severe public criticism,' he said.

'I would like the CBI to have a critical look at itself and introspect deeply with an end to further improve its functioning.'