Introduction

Corruption is the misuse of power, position, or resources for personal gain, harming fairness, justice, and development. India ranked 96th out of 180 countries (score of 38 out of 100) in Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024, released by Transparency International. Corruption slows down development and harms the country. It is one of the biggest challenges in India, affecting governance, economy, and social justice.

Causes of Corruption in India

Corruption in India arises from multiple causes:

1.Lack of Transparency: Decisions made behind closed doors, with little public access and scrutiny, enable corrupt practices. For example, the opaque allocation of coal blocks led to the infamous Coal Gate scam.

2.Weak Institutions: The judiciary and law enforcement agencies are often slow to act. For instance, despite years of investigation, high-profile cases like the 2G scam saw delayed justice, discouraging accountability.

3.Red Tape and Bureaucracy: Bureaucratic hurdles delay approvals, encouraging bribery to fast-track processes. This issue is highlighted in India’s Ease of Doing Business report, which ranks India lower in bureaucratic efficiency.

4.Political Corruption: Election funding and vote-buying distort democracy, as seen in various state elections where bribery and influence peddling are prevalent.

5.Low Wages in Public Sector: With low salaries, many government employees resort to bribery to make ends meet, particularly in lower-level administrative roles.

6.Public Apathy: Apathy and fear of retaliation prevent people from reporting corruption, leading to its normalization.

7.Cultural Acceptance: Corruption is often seen as a necessary evil, where people may not report it due to the belief that "everyone does it."

8.Lack of Whistleblower Protection: Whistleblowers often face threats, and many fear retaliation, which discourages exposing corruption.

9.Social Inequality: Wealthy individuals use their power to escape legal consequences, as seen in the numerous cases where the rich have evaded punishment due to influence.

Impact of Corruption

Corruption in India leads to poor services, unfair justice, health issues, and hindered research. It erodes public trust, disrespects leaders, and discourages honest officials. The economy suffers as foreign investment decreases, development is delayed, and weak infrastructure hampers growth, making the country less attractive for business.

Steps Taken By Government to Fight Corruption in India

The Indian government has taken several steps to fight corruption, including the establishment of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), the Right to Information (RTI) Act, and the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act. Anti-corruption bodies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Income Tax Department also work towards tackling corruption. Additionally, efforts like e-Governance and digital platforms promote transparency and reduce bribery.

Solutions to Problem Corruption in India

To effectively combat corruption, the following solutions can be implemented.
1.Strengthening Anti-Corruption Institutions: Agencies like Lokpal in India must be robust, independent, and have clear mandates to combat corruption effectively.

2.Promoting Transparency and Citizen Engagement: Increasing public participation in governance and making processes transparent helps ensure accountability, reducing corruption risks.

3.Strict Law Enforcement: Quick trials and severe punishments for corrupt officials are essential to create deterrence and ensure accountability.

4.Whistleblower Protection: Stronger legal protection for whistleblowers is vital to safeguard individuals who expose corruption and prevent retaliation.

5.Political Reforms: Transparent election funding, along with strict monitoring of political parties, can reduce the chances of corruption in the political process.

6.Technology Use: Increasing the use of online platforms for government services minimizes direct human involvement, reducing opportunities for bribery and corruption.

7. International Cooperation: Since corruption often crosses borders, global frameworks like the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) are essential to fighting corruption on an international level.

Conclusion

Corruption is a deep-rooted problem. Strict laws, digital governance, and public participation can help create a corruption-free society. Every citizen must contribute by reporting corruption and demanding transparency.