- A perception of impunity due to the inadequate punishment of corrupt individuals can encourage further corruption. When individuals believe they can get away with corrupt practices, they are more likely to engage in them.
- India's complex economic environment, which involves various licences, permits, and approvals, can create opportunities for corruption. Businesses may resort to bribery to navigate this environment.
What are the Reasons for the Prevalence of Corruption in Civil Services?
- Politicisation of Civil Services: When civil service positions are used as rewards for political support or swapped for bribes, the opportunities for high levels of corruption increase significantly.
- Lower Wages: Lowering wages for civil servants compared to those in the private sector. Certain employees may resort to taking bribes in order to compensate for the difference in wages.
- Administrative Delays: Delays in the clearance of files are the root cause of corruption as common citizens are coerced to grease the palm of erring officials and authorities for expedited clearance of the files.
- Colonial Legacy of Unchallenged Authority: In a society which worships power, it is easy for public officials to deviate from ethical conduct.
- Weak Enforcement of Law: Various laws have been made to curb the evil of corruption but their weak enforcement has acted as a hindrance in curbing corruption.
What can be the Impact of Corruption?
- On People and Public Life:
- Lack of Quality in Services: In a system with corruption, there is no quality of service.
- To demand quality, one might need to pay for it. This is seen in many areas like municipality, electricity, distribution of relief funds, etc.
- A crime may be proved as a benefit of the doubt due to a lack of evidence or even the evidence erased.
- These low-quality services are all done to save money by the contractors and the officials who are involved.
- These people sanction the funds for research to those investigators who are ready to bribe them.
- Disregard for Officials: People start disregarding the officials involved in corruption and also the administrative set up which creates distrust in the system.
- Lack of Respect for Government: Top brass leaders of the nation like the President or Prime Ministers lose respect among the public. Respect is the main criteria in social life.
- Lack of Faith and Trust in Governments: People vote for a leader based on their faith in him/ her, but if leaders are found to be involved in corruption, people lose faith in them and may not vote next time.
- Aversion for Joining the Posts Linked to Corruption: Sincere, honest, and hardworking people develop an aversion for the particular posts deemed corrupt.
- A Decrease in Foreign Investment: Corruption in government bodies has led to many foreign investments going back from developing countries.
- Delay in Growth: An official who needs to pass clearances for projects or industries delays the process in order to make money and other unlawful benefits.
- This leads to delays in investments, the starting of industries, and also growth.
- Due to lack of proper roads, water, and electricity, the companies do not wish to start up there, which hinders the economic progress of that region.
Image: Changes in Levels of Corruption In India and Other Countries as per the Corruption Perceptions Index over the past decade.
What are the Legal and Regulatory Frameworks for Fighting Corruption in India?
- Legal Framework:
- Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 provides for penalties in relation to corruption by public servants and also for those who are involved in the abetment of an act of corruption.
- Amendment of 2018 criminalised both bribe-taking by public servants as well as bribe-giving by any person.
- Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013: It provides for an establishment of a Lokpal (centre) and Lokayuktas (state).
- They perform the function of an "ombudsman” and inquire into allegations of corruption against certain public functionaries and for related matters.
- Amendments in 1964: The definition of ‘Public Servant’ under the IPC was expanded. The definition of ‘criminal misconduct’ was expanded and possession of assets disproportionate to the known sources of income of a public servant was made an offence.
What is the Importance of Ethics in Preventing Corruption?
- Establishing Moral Boundaries: Ethical principles provide a framework for defining what is right and wrong. In the context of corruption, ethics set clear boundaries that distinguish acceptable behaviour from unethical or corrupt conduct.
- Promoting Accountability: Ethics demand that individuals take responsibility for their actions and decisions. When people are guided by ethical principles, they are more likely to be transparent and accountable for their actions, reducing the likelihood of engaging in corrupt behaviour that could harm others.
- Fostering Transparency: Transparency is a core ethical principle. Ethical organisations and individuals are more likely to operate openly and honestly, making it difficult for corruption to thrive in an environment where actions and decisions are subject to scrutiny.
- Building Trust: Trust is a cornerstone of ethical behaviour. When individuals and institutions are perceived as trustworthy, they are less likely to engage in or tolerate corruption. A high level of trust in society reduces the temptation for corruption.
- Encouraging Civic Virtue: Ethical values promote civic virtue, which encourages individuals to act in the best interest of society rather than pursuing personal gain at the expense of others. Civic virtue is a powerful deterrent to corruption.
- Supporting Rule of Law: Ethical behaviour upholds the rule of law and respect for legal and regulatory frameworks. Corrupt practices often involve circumventing or violating the law, and adherence to ethics reinforces respect for legal norms.
- Whistleblower Protection: Ethical organisations and governments prioritise protecting whistleblowers who report corruption. Ethical values encourage reporting unethical behaviour, which is vital for uncovering and addressing corruption.
- Global Reputation: On an international scale, ethical behaviour is essential for a nation's reputation. Countries known for ethical governance and low corruption levels are more attractive to foreign investment and collaboration.
- Long-Term Sustainability: Corrupt practices often provide short-term gains but can lead to long-term harm. Ethical behaviour is essential for the sustainable development and prosperity of societies.
What are Nolan Committee Recommendations on Standards in Public Life and Prevention of Corruption?
Nolan Committee in 1995 in United Kingdom outlined Seven Ethical and Moral values to be incorporated by the Public functionaries, Officials, Civil Servants, Bureaucrats, Civil Society and Citizens in order to weed out corruption:
- Selflessness: Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of public interest.
- Integrity: Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organizations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties.
- Objectivity: In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.
- Accountability: Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
- Openness: Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.
- Honesty: Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.
- Leadership: Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.
What are the Recommendations of the Second ARC to Tackle Corruption?
The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2nd ARC), an advisory body in India, made several comprehensive recommendations to address the issue of corruption and improve the integrity and efficiency of the public administration. These recommendations aim to prevent corruption and enhance transparency and accountability in government operations. Here are some of the key recommendations made by the 2nd ARC:
- Strengthening Anti-Corruption Measures:
- Whistleblower Protection Act, 2014: The 2nd ARC recommended amendments to the Whistleblowers Protection Act to enhance protection and incentives for whistleblowers. This includes safeguarding them from harassment and providing financial rewards.
- Central Vigilance Commission (CVC): The 2 nd ARC recommended strengthening the CVC's role in preventing and combating corruption by giving it more independence, resources, and authority.
- Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI):The commission suggested measures to ensure the CBI's autonomy and effectiveness in handling corruption cases.
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): The 2 nd ARC recommended the development of clear SOPs for government processes and services to minimise the discretionary powers of officials. This reduces the scope for corruption and arbitrary decision-making.
- Use of Technology: Leveraging technology and e-governance can reduce human interface and discretion in government transactions. The commission encouraged the adoption of electronic methods to reduce corruption opportunities.
- Police Accountability: The commission highlighted the need for comprehensive police reforms to enhance the integrity and effectiveness of law enforcement agencies. This includes measures to increase transparency, accountability, and professionalism in the police force.
- Community Policing: Promoting community policing can build trust between the police and the public, reducing opportunities for corruption and abuse of power.
- Code of Ethics: The commission recommended the development of a code of ethics for public officials and employees to promote ethical behaviour.
- Citizen Charters: Encouraging government departments to adopt citizen charters can enhance accountability and improve public service delivery.
- Media and Education: The commission suggested using media and educational institutions to create awareness about the detrimental effects of corruption and the importance of ethical conduct.
- Parliamentary Committees: Strengthening the role of parliamentary committees in scrutinising government operations and expenditure can help detect and prevent corruption.
- Digital Transformation: The 2 nd ARC recommended a comprehensive digital transformation of government processes to reduce human intervention and opportunities for corruption.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Q1. With reference to the ‘Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act, 1988 (PBPT Act)’, consider the following statements: (2017)
- A property transaction is not treated as a benami transaction if the owner of the property is not aware of the transaction.
- Properties held benami are liable for confiscation by the Government.
- The Act provides for three authorities for investigations but does not provide for any appellate mechanism.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 onlyAns: (b)
Q.2 Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels. (2021)
- Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 provides for penalties in relation to corruption by public servants and also for those who are involved in the abetment of an act of corruption.
- Lack of Quality in Services: In a system with corruption, there is no quality of service.