Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The concept of violence is often narrowly understood as physical force inflicting immediate harm. However, a broader understanding, popularized by scholars like Johan Galtung, encompasses structural and systemic forms of harm. Corruption, often perceived as a financial or administrative issue, can be argued to be a potent form of ‘slow violence’ – a violence that is not explosive but insidious, manifesting over time and disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. This essay will explore the argument that corruption, by systematically undermining justice, equity, and human dignity, constitutes a form of mass violence.
Defining Violence Beyond the Physical
Traditionally, violence is defined as the intentional use of physical force so as to cause harm, damage, or death. However, this definition is limited. Structural violence, as theorized by Galtung, refers to systemic ways in which social structures or institutions harm or disadvantage individuals. This includes poverty, inequality, and lack of access to basic necessities. Corruption, by exacerbating these issues, can be seen as a key driver of structural violence.
Corruption as Deprivation of Basic Rights
Corruption systematically deprives individuals of fundamental rights and opportunities. Consider the following:
- Right to Life & Health: Diversion of funds intended for healthcare, as seen in the 2018 Punjab spurious drug scam, directly leads to preventable deaths and compromised public health.
- Right to Education: Ghost schools and embezzlement of education funds, prevalent in several Indian states (as reported by CAG audits), deny children access to quality education, perpetuating cycles of poverty.
- Right to Livelihood: Bribery and nepotism in public employment and contract allocation create unfair competition and limit economic opportunities for honest citizens.
- Right to Justice: Corruption within the judiciary and law enforcement undermines the rule of law, leaving victims without redress and emboldening perpetrators.
Mechanisms of Corrupt Violence
Corruption operates as violence through several mechanisms:
- Resource Misallocation: Funds intended for social welfare programs are diverted for personal gain, leading to inadequate healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
- Erosion of Trust: Widespread corruption erodes public trust in institutions, leading to social fragmentation and political instability.
- Increased Inequality: Corruption disproportionately harms the poor and marginalized, widening the gap between the rich and the poor.
- Environmental Degradation: Bribery and lax enforcement of environmental regulations lead to deforestation, pollution, and resource depletion, impacting the health and livelihoods of communities.
Examples and Case Studies
The 2G spectrum allocation scam (2010) exemplifies how corruption can inflict mass harm. The estimated loss to the exchequer was ₹1.76 lakh crore, funds that could have been used for vital public services. Similarly, the Vyapam scam in Madhya Pradesh (2013) revealed systemic corruption in medical and engineering entrance exams, jeopardizing the future of aspiring students and leading to numerous deaths under suspicious circumstances.
| Scam/Issue | Impact | Form of Violence |
|---|---|---|
| 2G Spectrum Scam (2010) | ₹1.76 lakh crore loss to exchequer | Economic deprivation, denial of public services |
| Vyapam Scam (2013) | Compromised education system, deaths of aspirants | Denial of opportunity, threat to life |
| Punjab Spurious Drug Scam (2018) | Preventable deaths due to adulterated drugs | Direct harm to health and life |
Ethical Dimensions
From an ethical standpoint, corruption violates principles of justice, fairness, and human dignity. It represents a betrayal of public trust and a disregard for the well-being of citizens. The utilitarian perspective would condemn corruption for maximizing suffering and minimizing overall happiness. A Kantian perspective would view corruption as inherently wrong, as it treats individuals as means to an end (personal gain) rather than as ends in themselves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while not manifesting as immediate physical harm, corruption operates as a pervasive and insidious form of mass violence. By systematically depriving individuals of their rights, opportunities, and resources, it inflicts profound and lasting damage on individuals and society. Recognizing corruption as a form of violence is crucial for developing effective strategies to combat it and build a more just and equitable world. A multi-pronged approach involving robust legal frameworks, transparent governance, and ethical leadership is essential to mitigate this silent, yet devastating, form of harm.
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.