Context: 

According to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) latest annual report, it received a total of 1,15,203 corruption complaints against all category employees of the central government in 2022. 

• CVC has received the highest number of corruption complaints against employees of the Union Home Ministry, followed by those working for the railways and in banks. 

Corruption: 

• The UN’s Global Programme against Corruption (GAPAC) defines corruption as the abuse of power for private gain and thereby includes both the public & private sector and private individuals. 
• India is ranked 85 amongst 180 countries in the corruption perception index.

Reasons for Corruption in India:

• Legacy Issues i.e., the colonial rule and the feudal system fostered corruption. 
• Inefficient Governance lacks effective mechanisms to monitor and punish corrupt officials. 
• Weak Institutions and Laws are ineffective in the role of checking and balancing the power of the executive and the legislature. 
• High Demand and Low Supply of Public Goods and Services create a gap that can be exploited by corrupt intermediaries or officials. 
• Complex bureaucratic procedures are time-consuming and cumbersome, which is supported by the India’s ranking (63rd out of 190 countries) of the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Report 2020
• Limited access to Information: Transparency International found that only 37% of Indians surveyed believed that ordinary people can make a difference in the fight against corruption. 
• Cultural Acceptance: According to Transparency International, 32% of Indians believed that it is acceptable for a business to pay a bribe to win contracts. 

Impacts of Corruption in India:

• Economic Losses: Reduction of the efficiency and effectiveness of public spending and investment, discouragement of private investment and innovation, increases the cost of doing business, etc. 
• Political Consequences: Corruption weakens the legitimacy and credibility, affects the electoral process, the representation of the people, and the accountability of the leaders. 
• Social Costs: Corruption undermines the quality and accessibility of public goods and services, affects the delivery of basic rights such as education, health, water, sanitation, etc., and also erodes the trust and confidence of the people leading to social unrest, violence, and extremism. 
• Marginalized communities in India: Corruption undermines the effectiveness of government schemes and programs designed to benefit the marginalized communities. 

Recommendations to Curb Corruption in India:

• Strengthening the legal framework and institutions and the anti-corruption agencies should be given more autonomy, authority, resources, and accountability. 
• Enhancing Transparency and Accountability by using e-governance and digital platforms. 
• Promoting Citizen Participation in decision-making processes, encouraging the use of social audits to monitor the implementation of public programs, and fostering a culture of whistleblowing and protecting whistleblowers from retaliation. 
• Improving Public Service Delivery by streamlining bureaucratic procedures, implementing merit-based recruitment, performance evaluation, and promotion systems and enhancing access to quality public services. 
• Strengthening Ethics and Integrity through training programs and awareness campaigns and establish codes of conduct and ethical standards for public officials and professionals.
• Enhancing International Cooperation by ratifying and implementing international conventions against corruption, such as the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). 

News Source: Business Today