GS IV: Challenges of corruption; Right to Information
Context: The NEET paper leak has reignited concerns over corruption, institutional accountability, and transparency in governance, reviving the debate on whether corruption poses the greatest challenge to achieving Viksit Bharat.
What is Corruption?
- Corruption refers to the abuse of public office or entrusted authority for private gain through bribery, embezzlement, favouritism, cronyism, fraud, or misuse of official power, thereby undermining good governance, the rule of law, and public trust.
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Has Digitalisation Reduced Corruption?
- Positive Outcomes: Digital governance, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), digital payments, and e-governance have reduced opportunities for petty corruption, improved transparency, strengthened audit trails, and enhanced service delivery.
- Continuing Challenges: Digitalisation alone cannot eliminate corruption. The digital divide, emergence of new middlemen, and the absence of an effective grievance redressal mechanism continue to undermine accountability.
- Role of the RTI Act: The Right to Information Act, 2005 has significantly strengthened transparency and public accountability by exposing major scams such as the Vyapam Scam, Adarsh Housing Society Scam, and the Electoral Bonds case.
- India receives nearly 60 lakh RTI applications annually, making it one of the world’s largest users of transparency legislation.
Concerns Regarding Transparency
- DPDP Act, 2023: The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 has raised concerns that broader privacy exemptions may restrict access to information relating to corruption and weaken the objectives of the RTI Act.
- Information Commissions: Persistent vacancies and non-transparent appointments have reduced the effectiveness of Information Commissions, leading to delays in disposal of appeals.
Challenges in Anti-Corruption Institutions
- Institutional Weakness: Institutions such as the Lokpal, Lokayuktas, Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and Enforcement Directorate (ED) have faced concerns regarding their independence, effectiveness, and allegations of selective enforcement.
- Judicial Delays: Slow investigation and disposal of corruption cases reduce deterrence and weaken public confidence in the justice system.
Legal Issues
- Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act: Section 17A requires prior government approval before investigating decisions taken by public servants during the discharge of official duties. Critics argue that this provision may delay investigations and reduce accountability.
- Major Causes: Weak enforcement, judicial delays, political interference, crony capitalism, lack of institutional transparency, inadequate whistle-blower protection, and weak grievance redressal mechanisms continue to sustain corruption.
Impact
- Governance: Corruption weakens the rule of law, institutional effectiveness, and public trust.
- Economy: It discourages investment, increases the cost of doing business, and reduces economic efficiency.
- Society: It undermines access to education, healthcare, and other public services, thereby aggravating inequality.
- Democracy: It reduces transparency, accountability, and citizens’ confidence in democratic institutions.
- Ethics: It erodes integrity, probity, and ethical standards in public administration.
Constitutional and Legal Framework
- Constitutional Provisions
- Article 14: Guarantees equality before law.
- Article 19(1)(a): Forms the constitutional basis of the Right to Information.
- Article 21: Supports transparent and accountable governance as part of the right to life and dignity.
- Major Legislations
- Right to Information Act, 2005
- Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
- Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013
- Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014
- Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023
Way Forward
- Strengthen Transparency: Reinforce the RTI framework while maintaining an appropriate balance between transparency and privacy.
- Reform Institutions: Ensure transparent appointments and greater operational independence for the Lokpal, Lokayuktas, CVC, CBI, and Information Commissions.
- Ensure Time-bound Justice: Fast-track investigation and disposal of corruption cases to improve deterrence.
- Strengthen Grievance Redressal: Enact a comprehensive grievance redressal law for timely resolution of citizens’ complaints.
- Protect Whistle-blowers: Effectively implement the Whistle Blowers Protection Act to encourage reporting of corruption.
- Promote Inclusive Digital Governance: Expand digital governance while bridging the digital divide to prevent exclusion and new forms of corruption.
- Strengthen Ethical Governance: Promote integrity, transparency, citizen participation, and institutional accountability in public administration.
- Conclusion: Corruption remains one of the greatest threats to good governance, inclusive development, and the rule of law. Achieving Viksit Bharat requires independent institutions, greater transparency, swift justice, and a strong culture of ethical governance.
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Conclusion
Corruption continues to pose a significant challenge to good governance, inclusive development, and the rule of law. Addressing it requires not only robust legal provisions but also independent institutions, swift justice, greater transparency, and a strong culture of ethical public administration and citizen accountability.
24 Jul 2026
