Roadmap for Answer Writing
Introduction
- Briefly introduce corruption as a prevalent issue in Indian society.
- Mention the view that corruption thrives due to social acceptance and the perception that it is aspirational.
- State your stance on the issue, whether you agree or disagree, and provide a roadmap of how you will structure your response.
1. Corruption as a Socially Accepted Norm
- Explanation: Discuss how corruption has been normalized in various sectors, including politics, bureaucracy, and business.
- Examples:
- Bureaucratic red tape: Corruption is seen as a practical way to navigate through slow and inefficient government systems.
- Speed Money: Bribes are often seen as a way to expedite services, creating an environment where corruption is tolerated.
- Aspirational Aspect: In some segments of society, achieving success via corruption is seen as an aspirational shortcut to wealth and power.
- Example: Individuals who accumulate wealth through corrupt means are often admired, and their success is viewed as a result of cleverness or hard work, not unethical practices.
2. Perception of Corruption as Aspirational
- Explanation: Discuss how society’s perception of corruption as a means to wealth and success plays a role in its perpetuation.
- Examples:
- Social Admiration: Corrupt individuals are often seen as successful, even if their wealth is acquired through illicit means.
- Normalization of Corruption: As corruption becomes a standard tool to achieve personal or business success, it grows deeply embedded in societal values.
- Example: In business and politics, “getting ahead by any means necessary” has become a normalized mindset, leading to a tolerance for unethical behavior.
3. Shifting Attitudes: Growing Intolerance
- Explanation: Discuss how recent events and movements have shifted public attitudes towards corruption.
- Examples:
- India Against Corruption Movement (2011): This movement, led by Anna Hazare, galvanized public opinion and brought anti-corruption into mainstream political discourse.
- Electoral Outcomes: Public outrage over corruption scandals like the 2G spectrum case and the coal allocation scam has influenced electoral outcomes and contributed to the downfall of incumbent governments.
- Legal Reforms: Measures like the Right to Information (RTI) Act (2005) and the Lokpal Act (2013) reflect the growing intolerance for corruption and efforts to institutionalize transparency.
4. Factors Contributing to the Persistence of Corruption
- Explanation: Despite growing resistance, corruption still persists due to systemic issues in governance and societal values.
- Examples:
- Bureaucratic Inefficiency: Red tape, lack of transparency, and outdated processes provide fertile ground for corruption.
- Inequality and Poverty: Economic disparity and lack of opportunities in many parts of India can lead individuals to turn to corruption as a means of survival or advancement.
- Example: Corruption is perceived as the only viable option for many, especially in rural and underdeveloped areas, where access to government services is limited.
5. Conclusion
- Summarize: Restate your agreement or disagreement with the view that corruption thrives due to its social acceptance and aspirational nature.
- Final Thought: Acknowledge the importance of continuing efforts to combat corruption through legal reforms, public awareness, and fostering ethical leadership.
Relevant Facts and Examples for the Answer
- Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2023:
- India ranked 93rd out of 180 countries, with a corruption perception score of 40, indicating a significant issue of corruption in the country.
- Social Acceptance of Corruption:
- Corruption often viewed as a necessary evil to navigate bureaucratic inefficiency and a tool for success in business and politics.
- Examples of Normalization:
- Speed money: Corruption as a method to expedite government services in sectors like the police, transport, and health.
- Corrupt individuals admired for their wealth and influence, despite their illicit means of acquiring wealth.
- India Against Corruption Movement (2011):
- The movement, led by Anna Hazare, galvanized public opinion and led to the enactment of laws like RTI Act (2005) and Lokpal Act (2013) to counter corruption.
- Corruption and Electoral Impact:
- Scandals like the 2G Spectrum Case (2010), Coal Allocation Scam (2012), and the alleged 40% commission government influenced public sentiment and led to electoral outcomes in states like Delhi and Uttarakhand.
- Legal Measures:
- Right to Information (RTI) Act (2005): Empowering citizens to demand transparency in government dealings.
- Lokpal Act (2013): Establishing a mechanism to investigate corruption in public office.
By structuring the answer using this roadmap and incorporating relevant facts, the answer will offer a well-rounded perspective on the relationship between social acceptance, aspirational views of corruption, and efforts to combat it in India.
Model Answer
Introduction
Corruption continues to be a major issue in India, deeply rooted in various sectors like politics, business, and governance. I agree with the view that corruption thrives in Indian society due to its social acceptance and the perception that it is aspirational, although recent shifts in public attitudes indicate growing resistance.
Social Acceptance and Aspirational View of Corruption
Corruption often creates an image of success, with individuals who accumulate wealth and power through corrupt means being admired. In many cases, achieving success “by any means necessary” is seen as a shortcut to wealth, normalizing unethical practices. This normalization is further reflected in the widespread acceptance of “speed money,” where bribes are seen as a practical way to expedite services or get things done. For example, in sectors like bureaucracy and police, corruption is seen as the only effective way to bypass systemic inefficiencies, creating a cycle that is hard to break.
Shifting Attitudes and Anti-Corruption Movements
However, over time, there has been a growing intolerance towards corruption in India. The India Against Corruption Movement in 2011 became a significant turning point, mobilizing public opinion and pressuring the government for greater accountability. As a result, legislative measures like the Right to Information Act (2005) and the Lokpal Act (2013) were enacted to combat corruption more effectively.
Corruption in Elections and Public Sentiment
Corruption has also become a key issue in Indian elections, influencing the political landscape. Public outrage over high-profile scandals, such as the 2G spectrum case, coal allocation scam, and allegations of “40% commission” governments, has led to electoral shifts, showing that the public is increasingly intolerant of corrupt practices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while corruption thrives due to its social acceptance and perceived aspirational nature, there has been a marked shift in public sentiment toward greater accountability and the need for institutional reforms. Strengthening anti-corruption laws, promoting ethical leadership, and integrating ethics into education are essential for a long-term solution.