Corruption is the abuse of a position of trust or power to gain or advance some benefit. Besides monetary bribery it involves nepotism and embezzlement, favoritism and abuse of influence. Corruption is a type of activity that undermines trust in the public sector, institutional development, and causes inconsistency in equal resource distribution. It is one of the big ethical, administrative, and developmental problems. The fight against corruption needs a system change, enlightenment by the people and ethical leadership.

Key Points for RAS Mains

What is Corruption?

• Meaning of Standard: Misuse of the office of governmental authority to gratify personal gains.
• Expanded Perspective: Captures abuse of power in politics, business and in social settings to benefit an individual or a group.

Gains of Corruption

• Bribery, embezzlement, unlawful commissions.
• Non financial: Nepotism, favoritism, patronage, unjust promotions or influence.

Stakeholders and Ethical Concerns

Ethical Systems and Corruption

Moral consequences of corruption

• Inequality-Injustice: It creates inequity, which goes against the principle of fairness defined by John Rawls.
• Breach of Trust: Crushes the trust of citizens on any public institution.
• Conflict of Interest: Self interest above the interest of the people.
• Adverse effects to Social Justice: Denies poor access to basic services such as health and education.
• Subverts Rule of law: Law is applied in a selective manner.
• Cultural-Desolation: acceptance of corruption and wrong through compromise.
• Moral Relativism: The act of defending morally wrong behavior on grounds of personal benefits, or expediency.

Recommendations Second ARC on Combat corruption

• Collusive Bribery:
  • Amend PCA and make it a separate offence whose punishment is two folds.
• Prosecution Sanctions:
  • Red-handed cases as well as disproportionate assets do not need any prior permission.
• Financial Liability:
  • The corrupt officials must restitute the State.
• Speedy Trials:
  • Improve time constraints on trials and appeals.
• Whistleblower Protection:
  • Make it anonymous, safe and protected by law.

Reform on Legislative Immunity:

• Make amends to Article 105(2), 194(2) and bar the acts of MPs and MLAs that are from corruption.

Arthashastra: Ancient Indian Wisdom by Kautilya

• Information Network: Something that is used to keep the ruler informed (Job does the similar thing as Lokpal or CVC).
• Regular Transfers: Assure non-collusion in departments.
• Regular Patrol: Install vigilance officers.
• Public Shaming: Reveal the names of corrupted people.
• Severe Penalties: Corporal and monetary sentences to those involved with corrupt and their allies.

Conclusion for RPSC

Corruption compromises democracy, spoils service delivery and also kills trust of the people. The problem has to be fought with a combined force of ethics, legal reform, watchdog of major institutions, and citizen involvement. Transparency, accountability, and good value- based culture are important in eliminating corruption.

Also Read: Dowry in India

Also Read: Child Marriage in India