Corruption and Administrative Reforms in India UGC-NTA NET Political Science

Corruption is challenge for governance and public policy in India. It undermines the integrity of institutions and hampers socio-economic development.

Definition of Corruption

Corruption refers to the abuse of power for personal gain. It manifests in various forms, including:

• Bribery: Offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value to influence actions.
• Embezzlement: Misappropriation of funds placed in one’s trust.
• Nepotism: Favouring relatives or friends in professional appointments.
• Favoritism: Giving preferential treatment to certain individuals.
• Fraud: Wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.

Causes of Corruption

Several factors contribute to the prevalence of corruption in India:

• Lack of Transparency: Insufficient access to information encourages an environment for corrupt practices.
• Weak Legal Frameworks: Inadequate laws and poor enforcement mechanisms allow corruption to thrive.
• Bureaucratic Inefficiency: Complex procedures and red tape create opportunities for bribery.
• Political Patronage: Influence from politicians can lead to corrupt practices within the bureaucracy.
• Low Salaries: Poor remuneration for public officials can tempt them to engage in corrupt activities.

Impact of Corruption

Corruption has far-reaching consequences for society:

• Erosion of Trust: Public confidence in government institutions diminishes.
• Resource Misallocation: Corruption leads to inefficient use of resources, affecting development.
• Increased Costs: Businesses incur higher costs due to corrupt practices.
• Socio-Economic Inequality: Corruption exacerbates poverty and social disparities.
• Deterioration of Services: Public services and infrastructure suffer, impacting citizens’ quality of life.

Major Corruption Scandals in India

India has witnessed several high-profile corruption scandals:

1. Bofors Scandal (1980s): Involved allegations of kickbacks in defence contracts, leading to public outrage.
2. 2G Spectrum Scam (2008): Misallocation of telecom licenses resulted in revenue losses for the government.
3. Commonwealth Games Scam (2010): Financial irregularities during the organisation of the Games raised questions about accountability.
4. Vyapam Scam (2013): A massive admission and recruitment scam in Madhya Pradesh that brought into light systemic corruption.

Legal Framework to Combat Corruption

India has established a legal framework to address corruption:

• Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988: Defines corruption and prescribes penalties for offenders.
• Right to Information Act, 2005: Enhances transparency by allowing citizens to access information about government activities.
• Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013: Creates an ombudsman to investigate corruption complaints against public officials.

Administrative Reforms

Efforts to reform the administrative structure include:

Civil Service Reforms

• Performance Appraisal Systems: Introduced to evaluate civil servants based on their performance.
• Training and Capacity Building: Initiatives aimed at enhancing the skills of civil servants.

E-Governance Initiatives

• Digital India Programme: Aims to improve service delivery through digital platforms.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Minimises leakages in welfare schemes by transferring benefits directly to beneficiaries.

Public Procurement Reforms

• E-Procurement Systems: Ensures transparency in the procurement process, reducing opportunities for corruption.

Citizen Charters

• Service Delivery Standards: Defines timelines and quality standards for public services, enhancing accountability.

Role of Civil Society and Media

Civil society and media play important role in combating corruption:

• Advocacy: Civil society organisations promote transparency and accountability in governance.
• Investigative Journalism: Media exposes corruption through in-depth investigations.
• Grassroots Movements: Campaigns like India Against Corruption mobilise public support for anti-corruption measures.

International Anti-Corruption Frameworks

India participates in global efforts to combat corruption:

• United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC): Promotes international cooperation in fighting corruption.
• Transparency International: A global NGO that advocates for transparency and accountability.

Challenges in Combating Corruption

Despite efforts, several challenges persist:

• Political Will: Commitment to reform is often lacking among political leaders.
• Resistance from Interests: Established interests resist changes that threaten their power.
• Limited Resources: Enforcement agencies often lack the necessary resources to combat corruption effectively.
• Public Apathy: A lack of awareness and engagement among citizens hinders anti-corruption efforts.

Recent Developments

Recent legislative measures have strengthened anti-corruption efforts:

• Whistleblower Protection Act, 2014: Protects individuals who expose corruption.
• Strengthening of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC): Enhances the agency’s capacity to oversee anti-corruption measures.
• Focus on Economic Reforms: Increased emphasis on anti-corruption strategies within broader economic reforms.

Recommendations for Future Reforms

To further combat corruption, several reforms are recommended:

• Strengthening Accountability Frameworks: Enhance institutional mechanisms for oversight.
• Enhancing Citizen Engagement: Foster greater public participation in governance.
• Promoting Ethical Standards: Encourage integrity and ethics in public service.
• Leveraging Technology: Use technology to improve transparency and efficiency in public administration.

Thus, combating corruption in India requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves legal reforms, administrative changes, and active participation from civil society. The commitment to transparency and accountability is essential for restoring public trust and ensuring effective governance.