Corruption in India: Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

Corruption is the most widespread endemic and a greatest threat to economic and political development of any nation. Given the high level of corruption in India, this phenomenon has turned into a cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabrics of our system. In recent times, the issue is receiving attention of authorities, policy makers, businessmen and civil society organizations. In other words, fight against corruption has emerged as a key developmental issue. As such, this study is an attempt to delve into the current status of corruption in India with a focus on issues and challenges in combating corruption. During the discussion, the authors found that the major scams committed in India since 2009 are a direct result of deficit in governance. This paper also found that lack of competent leadership and management, inherent delays in criminal justice system, hostile witnesses marked with lack of values as key challenges in eliminating corruption. To ensure a corruption free society, the authors strongly suggest simplification of office processes and procedures, filling up of judicial vacancies, civil participation for necessary buy-in and inclusion of private sector under anti-corruption laws, besides strengthening and empowering anti-corruption agencies. To sum up, it is argued that good administration is possible only when corruption is eliminated from society. Individuals who are currently garnering the most attention, such as corrupt politicians, businesspeople, and judges, should be socially shunned and barred from serving in our holy, self-governing country. To accomplish these desired social changes, enacting strong legislation with severe penalties and its rigorous execution is the need of the hour. The study is expected to contribute to the ongoing debate on the link between corruption and anti-corruption campaign, as well as the formation of a broad political consensus on how to deal with it in the future.