What problems does corruption present? What actions, in your opinion, ought to be taken to keep them out of society? Describe. (200 Words) [UPPSC 2018]
Causes of Corruption Among People 1. Socio-Economic Factors Poverty and Lack of Basic Needs: While poverty often correlates with corruption, as individuals may resort to bribery or unethical practices to meet basic needs, it is not the sole cause. For instance, in low-income settings, people may briRead more
Causes of Corruption Among People
1. Socio-Economic Factors
Poverty and Lack of Basic Needs: While poverty often correlates with corruption, as individuals may resort to bribery or unethical practices to meet basic needs, it is not the sole cause. For instance, in low-income settings, people may bribe officials to gain access to essential services such as healthcare or education, as seen in many rural parts of India.
2. Power and Wealth
Affluence and Power Dynamics: Corruption is not restricted to the poor; affluent and powerful individuals also engage in corruption to maintain or enhance their status. High-profile cases such as the 2021 investigation into the business dealings of Gautam Adani and the alleged corruption in the 2G spectrum scam involving high-profile politicians and corporate leaders illustrate that wealth and power can lead to large-scale corruption.
3. Weak Institutional Framework
Lack of Accountability and Transparency: Corruption often thrives in environments where institutions are weak and lack accountability. For example, the 2015 Panama Papers leak exposed how wealthy individuals and leaders used offshore accounts to evade taxes, highlighting systemic weaknesses in global financial regulation.
4. Cultural and Societal Norms
Normalization of Corruption: In some societies, corruption becomes normalized or even expected, which perpetuates its prevalence. For instance, the normalization of bribery in some sectors, such as real estate and construction, is prevalent in countries like Nigeria, where it is often seen as a necessary part of doing business.
5. Political and Legal Factors
Political Patronage and Legal Loopholes: Corruption is facilitated by political patronage and legal loopholes. In India, the 2016 Punjab National Bank fraud case involved billions in fraudulent transactions facilitated by a nexus of powerful individuals exploiting legal and regulatory gaps.
6. Inadequate Enforcement and Enforcement Mechanisms
Weak Enforcement: Even with anti-corruption laws in place, ineffective enforcement can lead to persistent corruption. The slow pace of justice and lack of conviction in high-profile cases, such as the delay in the trial of former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for corruption, exemplify this issue.
Conclusion
Corruption arises from a complex interplay of socio-economic factors, power dynamics, weak institutional frameworks, cultural norms, and political and legal shortcomings. Addressing these causes requires a multifaceted approach that includes strengthening institutions, enhancing transparency, and promoting ethical norms across all levels of society.
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Challenges of Corruption 1. Erosion of Trust: Corruption severely erodes public trust in government and institutions. For instance, the Delhi Excise Policy Scam of 2022, where officials were accused of granting undue benefits to liquor vendors, undermined public confidence in governance. 2. InefficiRead more
Challenges of Corruption
1. Erosion of Trust: Corruption severely erodes public trust in government and institutions. For instance, the Delhi Excise Policy Scam of 2022, where officials were accused of granting undue benefits to liquor vendors, undermined public confidence in governance.
2. Inefficiency and Misallocation: Corruption leads to inefficiency and misallocation of resources, diverting funds from essential services. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), though intended to provide employment, has faced corruption issues resulting in misused funds and underwhelming implementation.
3. Economic Impact: Corruption hampers economic growth by discouraging investment and increasing costs. For example, the 2G Spectrum Scam significantly affected India’s telecom sector, leading to financial losses and a damaged investment climate.
4. Social Inequality: Corruption exacerbates social inequality by favoring the wealthy and well-connected, leading to unfair distribution of resources and opportunities. The Ration Card Scams in various states have highlighted how corruption affects the poorest, denying them basic necessities.
Steps to Prevent Corruption
1. Strengthen Legal Framework: Implement and enforce strict anti-corruption laws and regulations. For instance, the Prevention of Corruption Act should be updated to cover new forms of corruption and ensure stricter penalties.
2. Promote Transparency: Adopt transparency measures such as digital platforms for public service delivery and procurement. The Digital India initiative aims to reduce corruption by making government processes more transparent and accountable.
3. Enhance Whistleblower Protection: Create a robust whistleblower protection system to encourage reporting of corrupt activities without fear of retaliation. The Whistle Blowers Protection Act needs better implementation to safeguard informants.
4. Foster Civic Engagement: Encourage public involvement in governance through platforms for feedback and oversight. Initiatives like Citizen Feedback Systems and RTI (Right to Information) empower citizens to hold officials accountable and reduce corruption.
5. Improve Governance and Accountability: Promote good governance practices and internal audits within organizations. Implementing regular audits and compliance checks ensures that resources are used efficiently and that corrupt practices are identified early.
By addressing these challenges through comprehensive legal, technological, and civic measures, society can mitigate the adverse effects of corruption and foster a more transparent and equitable system.
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