The India Corruption Survey 2019, conducted by Transparency International India and LocalCircles, revealed that 51% of the respondents admitted to paying bribes in the past 12 months. The most common reasons for paying bribes were to get work done faster, to avoid fines or penalties, to get a favourable decision or to get access to a public service or benefit. The survey also found that Rajasthan and Bihar were the most corrupt states in India, with 78% and 75% of respondents admitting to paying bribes respectively.
Causes of corruption in India
The causes of corruption in India are complex and multifaceted, involving historical, cultural, political, economic and institutional factors. Some of the major causes are:
Legacy issues: The colonial rule and the partition of India left behind a legacy of poverty, inequality, underdevelopment and weak institutions. The low salaries of public officials, the lack of accountability and transparency, the complex and cumbersome rules and regulations, and the discretionary powers vested in bureaucrats created incentives and opportunities for corruption.
Political interference: The nexus between politicians and bureaucrats has undermined the autonomy and integrity of public institutions. The influence of money power and vote bank politics has led to the misuse of public funds, the manipulation of policies and laws, the appointment of corrupt or incompetent officials, and the protection of vested interests.
Lack of awareness and participation: The low level of education, awareness and civic engagement among the citizens has made them vulnerable to exploitation and manipulation by corrupt elements. The lack of effective channels for grievance redressal, feedback and social audit has reduced the scope for public scrutiny and oversight.
Social norms and values: The prevailing social norms and values have also contributed to the tolerance and acceptance of corruption in India. The culture of patronage, nepotism, favouritism and clientelism has eroded the merit-based system and encouraged the practice of giving or receiving bribes as a customary or obligatory gesture. The lack of moral education, ethical standards and social responsibility has also weakened the sense of duty and honesty among public officials.
Effects of corruption in India
Corruption has serious and far-reaching consequences for India's development and democracy. Some of the major effects are:
Economic losses: Corruption reduces the efficiency and effectiveness of public spending, distorts the allocation of resources, discourages investment and innovation, increases the cost of doing business, undermines competitiveness and productivity, creates inflationary pressures, erodes tax revenues, fosters black money and illicit financial flows. According to a study by Global Financial Integrity (GFI), India lost $123 billion due to illicit outflows between 2001-2010. Another study by Ambit Capital estimated that corruption costs India about 5% of its GDP annually.
Social inequalities: Corruption exacerbates social inequalities by depriving the poor and marginalized sections of their rightful share of public goods and services. It widens the gap between the rich and the poor, creates regional imbalances, fuels social unrest and violence. According to a report by Oxfam India, the richest 1% of Indians own 58% of the country's wealth, while the bottom 50% own only 2%. Another report by the World Bank found that India has the highest number of people living in extreme poverty, with 176 million people surviving on less than $1.90 a day.
Environmental degradation: Corruption undermines environmental protection and conservation by facilitating illegal logging, mining, poaching, wildlife trafficking, pollution and deforestation. It compromises the enforcement of environmental laws and regulations, the implementation of environmental impact assessments, the allocation of environmental permits and licenses, and the management of natural resources. According to the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2020, India ranked 168th out of 180 countries, with a score of 27.6 out of 100, indicating a poor performance in environmental health and ecosystem vitality.
Political instability: Corruption erodes public trust and confidence in the political system and institutions. It undermines the rule of law, the separation of powers, the accountability and transparency of governance, the quality and credibility of elections, the representation and participation of citizens, and the responsiveness and legitimacy of policies. According to the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index 2020, India ranked 69th out of 128 countries, with a score of 0.51 out of 1, indicating a moderate adherence to the rule of law.
Reforms for corruption in India
Corruption in India is a deep-rooted and complex problem that requires a comprehensive and holistic approach to tackle it effectively. Some of the key reforms that are needed are:
Legal and institutional reforms: There is a need to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for preventing, detecting, investigating and prosecuting corruption cases. This includes enacting and enforcing anti-corruption laws and regulations, such as the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, the Prevention of Corruption Act, the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, etc. It also involves establishing and empowering independent and autonomous anti-corruption agencies, such as the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Enforcement Directorate (ED), etc. It also requires improving the efficiency and integrity of the judiciary, the police, the audit and oversight bodies, etc.
Political and electoral reforms: There is a need to reform the political and electoral system to reduce the influence of money power and vested interests in politics. This includes regulating and disclosing political funding and expenditure, imposing limits on election spending, banning criminal candidates from contesting elections, ensuring free and fair elections, promoting internal democracy within political parties, enhancing representation and participation of women and minorities in politics.
Administrative and governance reforms: There is a need to reform the administrative and governance system to improve its accountability and transparency. This includes simplifying and streamlining rules and procedures, reducing red tape and discretion, introducing e-governance and digitalization, implementing citizen charters and service delivery standards, conducting performance appraisal and evaluation of public officials.
Social and educational reforms: There is a need to reform the social and educational system to raise awareness and participation among citizens. This includes promoting civic education and moral values among students, encouraging civil society organizations and media to play an active role in exposing corruption cases, creating platforms for citizen feedback and grievance redressal, fostering a culture of integrity and honesty among public officials.
In conclusion, corruption in India is a serious challenge that hampers its development potential and democratic credentials. However, it is not an insurmountable problem that can be addressed by adopting appropriate reforms at various levels. The success of these reforms depends on the political will, public support and collective action of all stakeholders involved.
This article was written by Bing using its own words and knowledge.
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