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Corruption
in India is all pervasive. There are very few activities
of the nation, which are perceived to be free from this
malaise. The World Economic Forum Survey 2003 ranked
India 45th out of 49 countries on the honesty of its
officials the Corruption Perception Indices (CPI) Transparency
International have also depicted India as one of the
most corrupts. Thus, India has the dubious distinction
of belonging to the category of the most corrupt nations
in the world. The studies done by Transparency International
India on status of corruption in December 2002 and 2005
also conclude the same. However, the CPI 2006 has shown
some reduction in corruption in India.
Broadly
speaking, corruption in India can be divided into two
categories. In the first, it is the grand larceny where
those in power pocket hundreds of millions in kickbacks
in public procurement, and contracting. The second category
consists of what might be called petty corruption where
the common men pay even for the public services to which
they are fully entitled. All extract money from the
citizens on one pretext or the other.
There
is ample evidence to show that corruption has slowed
down economic progress and poverty alleviation initiatives
in India. It has adversely affected the national security
system, too. The most affected people by corruption
are the poorest and the most vulnerable groups. These
groups are denied of their rightful entitlements, as
they can not pay bribe.
Good
governance is essential for realizing the objectives
of our constitution and alleviating the existing poverty.
One of the biggest hurdles in way to good governance
is pervasive and rampant corruption. There is a strong
correlation between corruption and poverty. Though corruption
affects adversely everybody but the people who are the
most affected by it are the poorest and the most vulnerable.
These people are denied of their basic rights and entitlements.
For example, a common man has to pay bribe to access
basic health services, educational facilities, ration
under PDS, rightful acquisition of their land, etc.
A large number of people in India fall under this category.
Corruption is thus deep rooted problem in India has
become a part of Indian psychology. Transparency International’s
Corruption Perception Index 2006 places India at 70th
position among the 163 countries.
There
are a number of reasons for prevailing corruption in
India. A certain section of civil society is forced
to pay bribes to get access to their basic rights and
entitlements since large section of civil society is
unaware of their rights and entitlements. This develops
a mind set among government officials that has a very
negative impact on the poorest who can not afford to
pay bribe and hence they are denied access to their
basic rights and entitlements. There is a lack of transparency
and accountability in government functioning. Moreover,
inefficient administrative systems aggravate the situation.
There is also lack of strong political will to fight
corruption in India.
Thus, there is a need for mass awareness among the grass
root citizens about their rights and entitlements along
with change in the attitude of people who give bribe
and government officials who take bribe. There is also
a need for increased transparency and strong accountability
in government functioning.
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