Meaning of corruption :
A conduct which is immoral and unfair from any angle is called corruption. Corruption has a wide meaning. When a person or an organization provides profit to a person or an organization without caring for law, and in exchange, gets wealth and facilities by harming public interests, it is corruption.
According to anti-corruption committee of 1962 :
Corruption is a flagrant and inappropriate use of power and effect attached to a particular situation available in a public life for selfish reasons.
Causes of corruption:
Following are the causes-
- Change in Social values :
Today’s era is materialistic and everyone wants money. No one cares from where it comes. The rich have respect in society. Today cultural and social values are disappearing. People have exclusive aim of acquiring wealth and position.
Due to population growth, the area of politics has becomes much wider. Needs of people have increased. The sphere and extent of rules and laws has become wide. People have no time. They want the work to be done quickly. For this, they are ready to offer bribes. Everyone wants justice, but justice is given to rich only. Common people do not get justice. In such situation corruption rises.
- Connection of businessman and politicians :
Generally, there are connections between businessmen and politicians. In election, the politician demands financial help from the businessmen. In exchange, the businessmen try to get advantage. This cycle encourages corruption.
- Lack of the laws controlling corruption :
In India, these is no special department to end corruption. Honest employees and honest officers are not allowed to work. They are transferred. They are terminated by fake allegations. No strong steps are taken by government to control corruption. The office of Lokpal and Lokayukta is not very effective.
- Providing public posts to party supporters :
When any party comes to power, it gives posts to the people of its favour. Today’s politics breeds nepotism and racism because once politicians come to power, they forget whether morality is the part of their life or not. Immoral feeling encourages corruption.
- Erroneous Electoral system :
The electoral system of today’s era is dirty. In political election, the victorious candidates should present their income sources. The amount of money spent during election should be accounted for. If this does not happen, corruption increases.
- Other causes of corruption :
Decline of character and morality, illiteracy, unemployment, expansion of collection instinct, poverty, lack of administrative knowledge, unequal opportunity of development, etc become the causes of corruption.
Measures to Eradicate Corruption :
Following are the measures:
1. Anonymous deal prohibition act, 1988 should be implemented immediately.
2. Property acquired by public servants by illegal means should be seized under legal process.
3. There is a need to punish the guilty by fast judicial process.
4. The people of doubtful character should not be appointed to public posts.
5. The government decisions should be less confidential, most of the cases should be transparent.
6. Donations given to political parties, should be scrutinised.
7. Citizens should have knowledge about government decisions and activities.
8. Black money should be brought out by demonetisation.
9. The decision taken by higher level should be known to subordinate level.
