Corruption in India

Corruption means some illegal gratification received for doing some work for somebody else. It is a corrupt practice 'in any field-moral, social and economic. In India, corruption has become a way of life. The devil of corruption, in fact, has entered every sphere of national activity. No work, legitimate or otherwise, can be got done without offering bribes to the persons concerned.

There are many causes of this growing corruption in India. Slavery of centuries has demoralized the nation as a whole. The leaders who got their freedom by giving their food have left us one by one. Those who were called upon to rule the roost failed to keep up the grand ideals by which India lived. They decided to trade with those ideals. The leaders of today have not been able to set any ideals in honesty and integrity. The mad race for material gains and the rising cost of living has further worsened the situation. The rich or the poor--all want to lead a life of plenty and luxury.

The wages being low, the officials resort to corrupt practices. Again, the education that is being imparted to the younger generation has no moral content. In fact, there is robbery everywhere and at all times. And who is going to catch the culprit? When even the guardians of law have made corruption their religion?

There is no field of life where corruption has not entered. A doctor charges heavy fees and prolongs the treatment of his clients. A teacher wants to get his salary without sincerely teaching his students. He is interested more in his private coaching at home. A shopkeeper weighs less, charges more, and sells sub-standards goods. In government departments, bargains are struck under the table, and favors are bought or sold without any sense of guilt. One has to face red-tapism. If one tries to be honest. In fact, an honest person either does not succeed in life or is compelled to join the fray. Our leaders and politicians have voiced their opinions against corruption. They have raised huge slogans. The government has also taken a few steps for reducing corruption but this is only as long as it is newly formed.

Corruption is not something that can be rooted out overnight as if with some magic touch. However, there are long-term solutions. Education can be pressed into service to build national character. It is in the hearts of the young that the defenses of a moral character can be built up. On their own part, the public servants and legislators should be asked to declare their assets and incomes. Black money should be unearthed. The tax structure should be simplified. All purchases should be made through cheques. A permanent tribunal should be set up to look into the charges of corruption against ministers and public servants. The guilty should not be allowed to escape proper punishment. Mass media should be pressed into service to create an ethical awareness among the people. It is only then that corruption can be rooted out of our country. And unless it is done, there is no hope for the country.