While poverty is commonly attributed as a catalyst for corruption, the reality unveils a more nuanced picture. Beyond financial deprivation, corruption thrives due to a complex interplay of factors ingrained within societal structures and human psychology. One fundamental cause lies in the innate human desire for power and wealth, which transcends economic status. This lust for dominance and luxury can drive individuals, irrespective of their socio-economic background, to engage in corrupt practices. Additionally, systemic flaws in governance and accountability mechanisms provide fertile ground for corruption to flourish unchecked. For instance, political leaders and business tycoons often exploit regulatory loopholes to amass wealth illegally, as evidenced by numerous high-profile scandals worldwide. Moreover, cultural norms and traditions sometimes normalize corrupt behavior, perpetuating a cycle of unethical conduct. The Panama Papers scandal, involving politicians and elites from various countries, exemplifies how corruption transcends borders and socio-economic strata. Thus, while poverty may exacerbate corruption, its roots delve deeper into human nature and systemic deficiencies.
Tag: Ethics and Human Interface.
Decoding the Question:
- In Introduction, try to start your answer with a brief introduction on what is corruption.
- In Body,
- First, explain the statement given.
- Second, discuss the causes of corruption.
- In Conclusion, try to end your answer by giving way forward.
Answer:
It is often argued that poverty leads to corruption. But evidence suggests that there is no direct linkage between poverty and corruption. A poor person can lead his life with honesty and integrity. On the other hand, an affluent person can indulge in corruption because of greed.
Low pay and facilities can lead to corruption since employees unable to meet expenses or access essential services resort to corruption. Permanent government servants are now well paid though contract employees still get poor pay. As corruption is practiced by the well-off too, poverty alone does not explain corruption. Report of the Santhanam Committee is the basis for the existing administrative and legal structures and processes for combating corruption.
The Vigilance Manual mentions four major causes of corruption which the Santhanam committee identified :
- Administrative delays;
- Government overstretching its capacity and assuming too many regulatory functions;
- Scope for individual discretion in the exercise of powers vested in different categories of government servants;
- Cumbersome procedures of dealing with various matters which are of importance to citizens in their day-to-day affairs.
Permissive morals, cynicism and lack of accountability promote corruption. Many recent scams would have gone unchecked but for CAG audit and judicial activism. Devoted and dutiful politicians and bureaucrats can ensure clean administration.
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