Introduction:
Quote: “It is not power, but fear that corrupts. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it.”
Corruption Perception Index (CPI): According to the Corruption Perception Index, India currently ranks 85 out of 180 countries, reflecting the prevalence of corruption in the nation.
Main Body:
Corruption as a Manifestation of the Failure of Core Values:
Failure of Society’s Core Values:
Corruption is a reflection of the erosion of fundamental societal values.
‘The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.’
Example: Inaction of individuals in the face of corruption, such as giving or taking bribes, contributes to the perpetuation of corrupt practices.
Uplifting Core Values:
Socialization:
Primary Socialization at Home:
Inculcate values of honesty and courage within the family structure.
Secondary Socialization at Schools:
Promote public service values through initiatives like National Service Scheme (NSS).
Emphasize moral education as highlighted in the National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020.
Role of Leaders/Role Models:
Promote honest role models such as Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Ashok Khemka, etc.
Strengthening Legal Frameworks:
Implementation of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Whistleblower Protection measures to encourage reporting of corruption without fear of reprisals.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):
Encourage ethical business practices through CSR initiatives that benefit society.
Cultural and Religious Values:
Draw inspiration from cultural and religious texts, e.g., teachings from the Bhagavad Gita.
Ethical Training and Civil Society Engagement:
Implement ethical training programs and encourage active engagement of civil society in promoting ethical behavior.
Conclusion:
Forward-Looking Quote: “Where do the evils like corruption arise from? It comes from the never-ending greed. The fight for a corruption-free ethical society will have to be fought against this greed and replace it with ‘what can I give’ spirit” – A. P. J. Abdul Kalam.
Recommendations:
Implement recommendations from committees like the Nolan Committee and reports such as the Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) report.
Emphasize the effective implementation of existing laws to curb corruption.