Mains Daily Question
Nov. 29, 2023
Q2. What are the factors responsible for the corruption in India? What strategies can be implemented to reduce the prevalence of corruption in India given its complex socio-political reality? (10M, 150W)
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Approach for the answer:
The question talks about the factors which are responsible for the corruption in India. And the second section is about the strategies to control the prevalence of corruption. Here, we must highlight the complex socio-political reality of India as well.
Introduction 1: Definition-based Introduction: Begin by providing a brief definition of corruption and its impact on society, emphasizing its detrimental effects on governance, economy, and social development. 2: Context-based Introduction: Introduce the question by highlighting the prevalence of corruption in India and the need to identify the factors responsible for its existence.
Body: As the directive is what, we need to first mention the factors and divide the answer into two sections. Section 1: Discuss the factors responsible for corruption in India. Section 2: Discuss the strategies to Reduce Corruption in India
Conclusion: Type 1: Emphasize the collective responsibility of citizens, government, and institutions in working together to create a corruption-free India. Type 2: Reiterate the negative consequences of corruption and its hindrance to India's progress and development and call for a collective commitment to implement the suggested strategies. |
Answer: India has been ranked 85th out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s 2020 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). Corruption is defined by the World Bank as the misuse of public power for private benefit. It can take many forms, such as bribery, nepotism, fraud, extortion, and embezzlement.
Factors responsible for corruption in India:
- Lack of Transparency and Accountability: The lack of transparency and accountability in the governance system in India is a major factor responsible for corruption. This allows the corrupt to misuse their power and authority without any fear of being held accountable.
- Weak Law Enforcement: Weak enforcement of laws and regulations is another major factor that contributes to corruption in India. There is a lack of political will to enforce the laws, which allows those in power to act with impunity.
- Political Influence: Political influence allows the corrupt to misuse their power and authority without any fear of being held accountable. Political patronage of criminals and corrupt people also contribute to the growth of corruption in India.
- Low Salaries: Low salaries and wages of government employees often lead to them indulging in corrupt practices such as bribery and embezzlement to make extra money.
Strategies that can be implemented to reduce the prevalence of corruption in India given its complex socio-political reality:
- Enact and enforce stronger anti-corruption laws and regulations: India should implement stronger anti-corruption laws and regulations that provide clear guidelines and punishments for engaging in corrupt activities. These laws should be strictly enforced with no exceptions.
- Example: Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
- Increase transparency and accountability: India should increase transparency and accountability in government functions and processes. This can be done by making public records more accessible and allowing citizens to hold their government representatives accountable.
- Example: Right to Information Act, 2005
- Improve governance systems: India should improve governance systems by streamlining processes and making them more efficient. This will reduce opportunities for corruption and make it more difficult for corrupt individuals to take advantage of loopholes.
- Example: E-governance
- Strengthen the institutional capacity of government agencies: India should focus on strengthening government agencies to better enforce anti-corruption laws by providing training, capacity building, and independent anti-corruption agencies.
Reducing corruption in India requires a collective effort from both the government and the citizens to ensure that the country can benefit from its potential and move towards a more equitable and prosperous future.
