Corruption in Public life
Corruption is dishonesty and criminal offence done by a person or organization that is entrusted with a position of authority to acquire illegal benefits for one gain.
It has become a norm for people in India in all aspects of life to obtain power, influence and other political or personal gains through illegitimate ways.
More surprising is that there are no active measures taking place to curb this, even after the Constitution of India has many anti-corruption laws.
Effects of Corruption in Public Life
Corruption is found everywhere in the world and its negative effects are almost similar everywhere across the world. Some of the effects are:
- Increases inequality and poverty
- Affects foreign and domestic investment
- Affects law and order
- exploits public Investment
- Reduces the government revenue
Causes of Corruption
- Poverty
Corruption along poverty happen the needs of the common man is not met. And the poor man engages in corrupt practices.
In India, there is poor remuneration and compensation in Government offices and in Industries that breeds unsatisfied and corrupt workers. These officials engage in illegal activities for money.
2. Corruption Acceptance by Common People
The people over time got convinced with corruption. If “Guy X” is corrupted and over time he does some good things, people accept them.
The public feels like there is nothing wrong with corruption, it is just part of it and happens everywhere and there is no need to react or agitate against it.
3. Failure of Government Institutions
The government institution and law enforcement agencies to meant to control the corruption in public life. But these institutions were often pressurized by Political parties, pressure groups, religion, caste groups etc.
This lead to inefficiency in their performance. And also slow legal justice delivery by the courts, creates opportunities for corrupt officers to find ways to escape from.
4. Greed
The greed of the common person, rich, government official, politician etc, everyone has the desire to gain and acquire wealth. The Politician, Top Government official, Rich people has vast power and influence to acquire wealth by corruption.
The greed mostly affects the marginalized people such as Daily wagers, Tribal people, Slum dwellers etc.
5. Disbelief in Law
Most people have disbelief in the law of the nation due to its slow nature in dealing the various issues. This made people have no fear over the law, court, police, or the government.
This feeling has encouraged them to commit corruption and they were not guilty of doing it again and again.
How to Overcome Corruption
- Expose the corrupt activities.
- Select the people in the election, irrespective of their caste, religion, race, language, gender etc.
- Do not encourage dishonest practices.
- Make the public sector employees to work at own pace and do not offer any gifts in favor of them for doing the your job quickly.