It is a matter of serious concern that our country Statistics regarding improvements in the corruption scenario are published annually, yet no significant change is visible, and we appear to remain stuck at the same level of corruption. Upon assuming office, every public representative conveys the message that corruption will not be tolerated— not even to the slightest degree. However, when the prevailing ‘anything goes’ attitude leads to a serious tragedy, the entire system appears helpless in the face of corruption. Recently, on June 3, a fire at a hotel in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar claimed 21 lives, once again exposing the system’s failure. Accidents occur and governments announce compensation, but compensation alone is not the solution. The system often appears so negligent that it seems to be merely waiting for the next tragedy to strike after the current
one.
A major reason behind these accidents appears to be the failure to properly implement government- formulated rules and regulations; instead, a mindset of ‘anything goes’ prevails, where the country is left to fend for itself while personal greed takes precedence. At times, it feels as though a parallel
system of corruption is operating within the country.
One encounters a ‘tout culture’ at every step—often euphemistically referred to as ‘connections’ or ‘access.’
This corruption operates at multiple levels. Consider the machinations of wealthy tycoons at the political level; it begins with election funding for political parties and evolves into a chronic, incurable malady.
In government offices, powerful cliques have formed at the administrative level, controlling everything from appointments to transfers and postings. It would not be surprising to label this a full-fledged industry. Although governments have claimed for years that they are ending red tape, neither minor tasks nor essential public services are easily accessible. Agents have spun an extensive web to control even these services. Corruption persists because accountability is often not established for most acts of wrongdoing.
Even if a corrupt official or politician is caught, the judicial process is plagued by endless adjournments. Although new penal laws have been implemented, delays in court verdicts continue unabated. Prior permission is required to initiate an investigation against an individual. The government has introduced significant technical reforms to eradicate corruption—such as Direct Benefit Transfer schemes—to ensure that funds reach the intended beneficiaries. Yet, on the other hand, we have failed to root out fundamental flaws like cheating from the country’s education system. Every year, the lives of lakhs of young people are ruined due to cheating. There appears to be little scope for complete reform, as the entire system has been hollowed out by the greed for quick money, much like a termite infestation. Institutions such as the CBI, ED, and Lokpal do not seem to be fulfilling the objectives for which they were established; instead, they face allegations of having become mere puppets of the government. Consequently, the challenge lies in eradicating the corruption that runs deep through the veins of the nation.