Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Corruption, defined as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, remains a significant impediment to India’s socio-economic progress. Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2023 ranks India at 93 out of 180 countries, indicating a persistent challenge. While India has enacted several laws and established institutions to tackle corruption, its prevalence necessitates a more comprehensive and robust approach. Eradicating corruption requires a holistic strategy encompassing legal reforms, administrative accountability, technological interventions, and a shift in societal values.
Preventive Measures
Preventing corruption at its source is the most effective strategy. This involves:
- Simplification of Procedures: Reducing bureaucratic red tape and simplifying processes minimizes opportunities for rent-seeking. The Jan Dhan Yojana (2014) aimed to reduce leakages in welfare schemes by directly transferring benefits to beneficiaries.
- Transparency and Access to Information: Strengthening the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, and ensuring its effective implementation empowers citizens to hold public officials accountable.
- E-Governance: Utilizing technology to deliver public services online reduces human interface and minimizes opportunities for corruption. Initiatives like DigiLocker and the National Digital Health Mission are steps in this direction.
- Promoting Ethical Conduct: Incorporating ethics and integrity into the curriculum at all levels of education and promoting a culture of ethical behavior within public service.
Detection and Investigation
Effective detection and investigation are crucial for bringing corrupt individuals to justice:
- Strengthening Anti-Corruption Agencies: Empowering the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) with greater autonomy, resources, and specialized training. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, aims to establish independent bodies to investigate corruption allegations against public officials.
- Whistleblower Protection: Enacting and effectively implementing the Whistleblower Protection Act, 2014, to encourage individuals to report corruption without fear of retaliation.
- Financial Intelligence Units: Strengthening Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) to track suspicious financial transactions and identify illicit wealth.
- Use of Technology: Employing data analytics and artificial intelligence to detect patterns of corruption and identify potential offenders.
Punitive Measures & Legal Reforms
Swift and decisive punishment is essential to deter corruption:
- Fast-Track Courts: Establishing dedicated fast-track courts to expedite the trial of corruption cases.
- Confiscation of Assets: Strengthening laws related to the confiscation of assets acquired through illegal means. The Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988, aims to prevent the use of benami properties for money laundering.
- Stringent Penalties: Increasing the severity of penalties for corruption offenses, including imprisonment and fines.
- Amendments to Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988: Recent amendments aim to broaden the definition of ‘public servant’ and enhance penalties.
Institutional Reforms
Long-term eradication of corruption requires fundamental institutional reforms:
- Electoral Reforms: Reducing the influence of money power in elections through measures like limiting campaign expenditure and promoting state funding of elections.
- Civil Service Reforms: Implementing merit-based recruitment and promotion processes, ensuring transparency in transfers and postings, and providing adequate safeguards against political interference.
- Judicial Reforms: Increasing the efficiency and independence of the judiciary.
- Decentralization of Power: Empowering local self-governments to enhance accountability and responsiveness.
The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2008) provided detailed recommendations on improving governance and curbing corruption, many of which remain unimplemented.
Conclusion
Eradicating corruption in Indian democracy is a complex and ongoing challenge. A multi-pronged approach encompassing preventative measures, robust detection mechanisms, stringent punitive actions, and comprehensive institutional reforms is essential. Strengthening the rule of law, promoting transparency and accountability, and fostering a culture of integrity are crucial for building a corruption-free India. Sustained political will, citizen engagement, and effective implementation of existing laws and policies are key to achieving this goal.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.