During the past few years, the image of our country has been defaced beyond redemption. A large number of scams and scandals, involving top politicians, administrators and VVIPs have come to light. These scams and scandals, most of them that have been unearthed by the CBI, involve huge amounts of money running into millions of rupees. They have shaken the entire conscience of the country to the bones. In my opinion, all ministers and public servants should be made to declare their assets. The vigilance department should also keep a constant eye on corrupt officers and other public servants. Ministers and senior officials must set a noble example of an honest living free from corruption, bribery, nepotism and immorality. Today, the number of ministers possessing an honest image can be counted on finger tips. Earlier, bribe was paid for getting wrong things done. But today, the palms of officials are greased for accomplishing tasks at the right time. Corruption will only end when people like you and me stand up and speak out. If we do not take the step forward to eradicate corruption from its roots, then Indians won’t progress and India will continue to remain an undeveloped country.
There are also few other reports that shows the state of affairs in India. 38 per cent of land and property deals in India involve bribes. 62 per cent of law enforcement officers take bribes. 60 per cent of road stops for truckers are for extorting money. Getting driving license in India is highly askew, with research showing that it is possible for people with little to no ability to get a license through the use of agents. A survey states that agents helping unqualified drivers obtain licenses and bypass the legally required driving examination was a widespread practise. It also shows around 60 per cent of the license holders hadn’t even taken the licensing exam and 54 per cent of those license holders had failed an independent driving test.
“Political parties are the most corrupt institutions in India. In 2012, there were criminal cases pending against 31 per cent of members of Parliament and the legislative assembly.
A report by World Bank shows that only 40 per cent of grain handed out to the poor reaches its target. This report says that aid programs in India are beset by corruption, bad administration and under-payments.
If we expect our government to eradicate corruption, it is never going to happen. If we want corruption to end, we have to start with ourselves first. Don’t take and give bribes. Don’t do anything unethical. Actually corruption has become a part of our life. Whenever we go, we try to jump the huge queues through money power or acquaintance.
When we are caught violating any traffic rules, we tend to give money as a bribe to the traffic havaldar instead of paying up and taking a receipt. We even try to evade paying Income Tax to the government by giving false rent receipts, medical bills, etc. to the company we work for. There are plenty of other examples which I would like to give. Unless and until we stop taking and giving bribes, nobody in this world can stop corruption.
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
