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In corruption, India ranks 94th in the world

As the reverend Mahatma would have said that, the throng must have promised to do the same. Today, the same sentence but with “not” being superfluous, is agreeable. Recent time is witnessing a sharp fall in the values and morals of human beings. Evincing the very fact, India has been ranked 94th by Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index.

Corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. The former U.N. Secretary General, Kofi Annan said,” Corruption is an insidious plague that has a wide range of corrosive effects on the society. It undermines democracy and the rule of law, leads to  violation of the human rights, distorts markets, erodes the quality of life and it allows organized crime, terrorism and other threats to human security to flourish

Corruption has today assumed alarming proportions. The demon of corruption has taken a massive shape from horizon to zenith.  Right from bribing our children to go to school to our last breathe, almost every citizen of the nation; lives corrupt. A series of factors burgeon the cause. The underlying principle is but of course, the eternal hunger and greed for money, power, position or a favor; which overrides our sense of judgment and humanity.  The causes of corruption in India include excessive regulations, complicated taxes and licensing systems, numerous government departments each with opaque bureaucracy and discretionary powers, monopoly by government controlled institutions on certain goods and services delivery, and the lack of transparent laws and processes.The mammoth appetite of those in entrusted positions and the weak morals and determination of the citizens; together weave a web to trap the development of both the individual and the nation.

Myriad studies prove clean countries grow at a much higher pace than those battling the omnipresent monster. In India itself, reduction in corruption levels would mean an extra 4-5% G.D.P. growth. The inflation rate would never rise to 7.23% and no citizen would be starved to death whilst his share of food is swallowed by the termites. As of December 2008, 120 of India's 523 parliament members were facing corruption charges. Many of the biggest scandals since 2010 have involved very high levels of government, including Cabinet Ministers and Chief Ministers, such as in the 2G spectrum scam, the 2010 Commonwealth Games scam and the Adarsh Housing Society scam, Coal Mining Scam, mining scandal in Karnataka and cash for vote scam.

Even after 65 years of independence, India is ranked to be the 94th most corrupt country. Younger as free nations like Nepal and Bangladesh, have been successful in wiping out the demon effectively. Not just words but anti-corruption workshops are organized there and people are persuaded to develop together by forbearing the raising of greed. From former P.M., Mrs. Indira Gandhi’s “Garibi Hatao” to present day campaigns of “Bhrashtachar Mitao”, the most common whetstone to grind political axes has been corruption and its ill effects. Be in the form of bribes, extortions or promises of favor; corruption has always ate into the vitals of society. Anti-corruption actions have produced a mountain of words and hardly, a molehill of solid results. It is now high time for introspecting and unveiling mighty swords to bear down corruption.

Stringent and firm steps a needed to end the tyranny. All the three limbs of government: Legislature, executive and judiciary need to kick start with ventilated room for the code of conduct and the watch dog agencies. With the huge groundswell of public anger, civil societies and social movements have already come to life. But what we need more is active and responsible participation of the media. Accountability and transparency must be generated by the combination of political will from the top and public pressure at the base. And most important of all, the rich barricaded morals of the scriptures should be instilled in the youth generation. Education system can play a very vital role to ensure safe and developed future. If all what we discuss on the issue, is put into action; the golden phoenix (India) will revive. Only then, can corruption just be a theory to India.

Encapsulating, this accolade of being the 94th most corrupt nation should be taken as a challenge. A challenge to re-glorify the nation’s tarnishing image. The demon of corruption cannot be brought to death-knell with mere cross-bows.Unless a collective effort is made to hinder the policies that create enormous incentives for corruption, the fight will be incomplete.

And remember, looking back is futile. If, we could not prevent; let us cure our ailing nation. "After all, every saint has a past and every sinner a future. Drastic changes in the mindset can be brought about by inner urge and efforts."

ANSH NEERAJ TAYAL

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