9 December – Anti-corruption Day
Corruption in Public Life and Remedies.
Ms. Mimisha Chakraborty
(Class XII B, St. Xavier’s School, Sahibganj, Jharkhand, India).
We need to tell each other our stories. We need to show that everyone – our neighbours, our families, our community leaders. Everyone we know may have encountered corruption sometime or other.
Corruption is a poison that has penetrated the minds of many individuals these days. It has become a menace to society.
It affects the poor section of society more and makes them vulnerable to increasing costs. It leads to disillusionment among citizens, decreases public participation in civic activities and fosters cynicism towards institutions, government or private.
Corruption often involves unethical behaviour, dishonesty and misuse of power to gain benefits. Hunger for wealth and urge for materialistic comforts blindfold people.
Money is a tool which, if used properly, makes things beautiful; if used wrongly, it creates a menace.
There is widespread corruption in medical, educational and judicial professions. We often come across instances where false medical certificates are issued and fake post-mortem reports are prepared to shield crimes.
Exploitation and victimisation of students by teachers and department heads are frequently reported. It is rightly said that where wealth accumulates, people’s mentality decays.
Corruption erodes democracy and the rule of law. It leads to distorted tax administration and offers exemptions to the wealthy. Malpractices like embezzlement, graft, extortion, bribery etc. are a blot on human integrity.
Favouritism and nepotism are still rampant. One’s kith and kin get top priority in job placement over better deserving candidates.
Corruption is a global phenomenon. It exacerbates transnational challenges like migration, extremism and instability, threatening the national security of the country. It hinders business environment. Corruption increases inequality and sidelines popular accountability. This leads to an increase in frustration and hardship among citizens.
Corruption can be checked by strengthening anticorruption laws with stricter penalties and better enforcement. Independent agencies must be established to impartially investigate and prosecute the corrupt.
Protection laws have to be enacted to guarantee the safety of whistle blowers and investigative reporters.
Right education with ethical values can raise awareness about the harm done to society by corrupt elements.
Empowering communities will help people to actively engage in monitoring and reporting corrupt practices.
Promoting transparency in both the public and private sectors will minimize chances of corruption. Putting a check on corruption will ensure genuine socio-economic and political development of society and the country at large.
“Corruption is a cancer: A cancer that eats away a citizen’s faith in democracy; it diminishes the instinct for innovation and creativity. “
Fighting corruption is not just good governance. It’s self-defence; it is patriotism.
