Answer:

Introduction:

Corruption is a deep-rooted issue that undermines societal morals and erodes trust in political and administrative systems. It hampers economic development, exacerbates inequality, and undermines the democratic values of a society. In India, corruption is rampant and manifests in various forms, from petty bribes to large scale frauds. It costs 5 per cent of the GDP through corruption.

Body:

Factors Contributing to Corruption in India:

• Inadequate Regulatory Framework:
  • Weak and ineffective legal and institutional frameworks have contributed to the rampant corruption in India.
  • For example, the cumbersome procedures and excessive regulations in the public sector create opportunities for corruption.
• Lack of Transparency and Accountability:
  • A lack of transparent processes and accountability in public administration encourages corrupt practices.
  • For instance, the opaqueness in the functioning of government departments and the discretionary powers of officials often lead to corrupt practices.
• Political Patronage:
  • Political patronage and nepotism are significant contributors to corruption in India.
  • For example, politicians often use their influence to get their associates or family members appointed to key positions, irrespective of their merit.
• Low Public Sector Wages:
  • Inadequate remuneration and poor working conditions in the public sector often lead to demotivation and, consequently, corruption.
  • For instance, low salaries often compel public servants to resort to bribery and other corrupt practices to supplement their income.
• Cultural Acceptance:
  • A certain level of acceptance of corruption as a ‘way of life’ in society contributes to its persistence.
  • For example, the common practice of offering bribes for basic services, like getting a driver’s license or a birth certificate, reflects this acceptance.

Strategies to Eradicate Corruption:

• Strengthening the Regulatory Framework:
  • Developing a strong legal and institutional framework that clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of public officials and includes stringent penalties for corruption.
  • For example, implementation of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, which provides for the establishment of Lokpal for the Union and Lokayuktas for the States to inquire into allegations of corruption against certain public functionaries.
• Promoting Transparency and Accountability:
  • Implementing transparent processes and systems in public administration and ensuring accountability at all levels.
  • For instance, the Right to Information Act, 2005, promotes transparency by enabling citizens to access information held by public authorities.
• Political Reforms:
  • Implementing reforms to reduce the influence of money and muscle power in politics, and ensuring transparency in political funding.
  • For instance, setting a cap on the amount that can be donated to political parties and making it mandatory for all donations to be made through banking channels.
• Enhancing Public Sector Wages:
  • Providing adequate remuneration and improving working conditions for public sector employees to reduce the incentive for corruption.
  • For example, regularly revising the salaries and benefits of public servants to ensure they are commensurate with the cost of living.
• Public Awareness and Participation:
  • Promoting public awareness about the ill effects of corruption and encouraging citizen participation in the fight against corruption.
  • For instance, conducting awareness campaigns and encouraging citizens to report instances of corruption through helplines or online platforms.

Conclusion: 

Corruption is a multifaceted problem that requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to eradicate it. By addressing the root causes of corruption and implementing a combination of legal, institutional, and societal reforms, it is possible to eradicate corruption and restore trust in the political and administrative systems of India.

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