Syllabus: Corruption
Source: TP
Context: The Rajasthan High Court recently scrapped the SI Recruitment-2021 exam due to a paper leak scam, granting bail to 23 accused. Meanwhile, RPSC member Dr. Manju Sharma resigned, citing concerns for transparency and integrity in public life.
About Corruption in India:
Definition:
Corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, violating the ethical foundations of probity, transparency, and accountability. It represents a breach of deontological duty, undermines virtue ethics (honesty, integrity), and erodes social contract obligations between state and citizens.
Types of Corruption (2nd ARC)
- Petty Corruption: Small-scale bribes for routine services (licenses, certificates), reflecting erosion of day-to-day integrity.
- Grand Corruption: High-level scams in recruitment, contracts, or natural resources that distort governance at a systemic level.
- Collusive Corruption – deep networks between politicians, officials, and businesses.
Causes of Corruption:
- Administrative Lapses: Discretion without accountability and weak oversight allow officials to misuse power.
- Economic Factors: Inadequate pay and rent-seeking incentives push officials toward corrupt practices.
- Political Culture: Criminalisation of politics and patronage networks normalise corrupt behaviour.
- Social Norms: Acceptance of “chai-paani” erodes ethical standards and legitimises bribery.
- Legal-Institutional Weaknesses: Delayed justice and fragile whistleblower protection embolden corrupt actors.
- Psychological Causes: As William James explains, moral indifference and rationalisation make corruption socially tolerable.
Implications of Corruption:
- On Individuals
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- Loss of Meritocracy: Honest candidates lose opportunities, eroding fairness in public life.
- Ethical Dissonance: Public servants face conflicts between duty and self-interest.
- Victimisation: The poor and vulnerable are denied entitlements, reinforcing inequality.
- On Society
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- Trust Deficit: Corruption erodes faith in institutions and social contract.
- Deepened Inequality: Benefits flow to elites while marginalised groups remain excluded.
- Economic Loss: Leakage of welfare funds and reduced investment stunt development.
- Democratic Weakening: Corruption delegitimises governance, fuelling cynicism and apathy.
Challenges in Countering Corruption:
- Institutional Capture: Vigilance bodies lack autonomy and are vulnerable to political interference.
- Collusion Nexus: Politicians, bureaucrats, and business actors form entrenched unethical alliances.
- Whistleblower Risks: Fear of victimisation discourages reporting of corrupt practices.
- Cultural Acceptance: Normalisation of bribery sustains corruption as a “way of life.”
- Technology Misuse: Digital tools meant for transparency are manipulated through leaks, proxies, and fraud.
Way Ahead:
- Ethical Re-orientation
- Value-based training for civil servants (as per Second ARC’s “Ethics in Governance” report).
- Infusion of constitutional morality and Gandhian ideals of trusteeship.
- Institutional Strengthening
- Empower Lokpal/Lokayuktas, strengthen CVC & vigilance mechanisms.
- Ensure autonomy and transparency in recruitment bodies like RPSC/UPSC.
- Administrative Reforms
- Reduce discretion; adopt “minimum government, maximum governance.”
- Digital platforms to minimise human interface; use blockchain for recruitment & contracts.
- Social & Cultural Change
- Promote citizenship ethics – zero tolerance for corruption.
- Strengthen role of RTI, media, and civil society.
- Legal-Structural Measures
- Fast-track courts for corruption cases.
- Strong whistleblower protection and reward mechanisms.
Conclusion:
Corruption is not just an economic crime but an ethical failure of governance and society. To uphold probity, integrity, and accountability, India must move from compliance-based codes to value-based governance. A corruption-free state is essential for restoring trust and realising constitutional justice.
