CORRUPTION – AN ANCIENT AND GLOBAL PROBLEM

Corruption is a global problem that is unrelated to culture and religion. The Oxford Dictionary defines corruption as “dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery.” The word comes from a Latin word: corruptus, and it means “man, bribe, and destroy.” This malady is as old as mankind and has had the unique ability to genetically transform itself with changing times and managing to be alive and thriving throughout the centuries despite rules and regulations, trials and punishments.

 

Definition

It is very difficult to define corruption as different people interpret it differently. What is a taboo to some is perfectly acceptable to others as the perception of corruption is all in the mind. It is typically defined as the use of public office for private gain. However, defining corruption is a social and political process, and has the risk of changing from society to society despite the universal condemnation of certain lines and behaviours. The World Bank defines corruption as the misuse of public authority for private gain. 

 

History

Corruption is as ancient as human history itself and remains deeply ingrained in it. Between 3100 and 2600 B.C., the first dynasty of ancient Egypt was notorious for corruption in its judiciary. The ancient Greeks gave the term “corruption” multiple connotations - associated with the loss of physical form, integrity, or moral virtue. There were laws in Athens that punished those who accepted earnings for private interests like slavery at the expense of the collective interest of the society.

 

In the political life of ancient Rome, corruption had already reached a significant level during the rule of Julius Caesar, who lived from 100 to 44 B.C. He was notorious for employing any means, including violence and money, to obtain the consulate, eliminate the corrupt Senate, to retain his rule. The issue of Ottoman officials’ corruption and misuse of wealth was so prevalent in Ragusan society that it found a way in their literature. Ivan Gunduli in his epic poem Osman portrays contemporary Ottoman officials as unfaithful, corrupt, spoiled, effeminate, lustful, and fearful, passing a harsh moral judgment on their debauchery and venality.

 

Governments in developed and developing countries, large and small, market-oriented, or otherwise, have fallen because of corruption allegations; prominent politicians, including presidents and prime ministers, have lost their official positions; and in some instances, entire political classes have been replaced. The fall of the Congress Government of Sri Rajive Gandhi and later Sri Manmohan Singh in India and Mr. Nawaz Shareef’s government in Pakistan are glaring examples. Corruption stifled economic development and undermined their political legitimacy. There was rampant waste of resources, increase inequity in resource distribution, diminished political competition, and increased mistrust of their government and hence their demise. The tax evasion by President Trump and the Boeing 737 Max scandal in the U.S, Mr.Boris Johnson’s flat-renovating episode in the U.K and the arrest of European Parliament Vice-President Eva Kaili for accepting bribe from Qatar come to mind when we think about corruption in the western world.

 

Global Corruption index

The Global Corruption Index (GCI) covers 196 countries and territories and measures the state of corruption and white collar crimes around the world. Based on as many as 42 internationally recognized variables, it encompasses two sub-indexes for both a global risk overview and a more nuanced risk assessment. Corruption Perception, Corruption Experience, Citizen’s Voice & Transparency, Government Functioning & Effectiveness, Legal Context, Political Context and White Collar Crimes are all taken into consideration while calculating this index. Norway, Finland and Sweden with GCI of 7.12, 7.14 and 8.8 are least corrupt countries and Congo, North Korea and Syria with scores of 80.12, 87.17 and 90.66 are the most corrupt. Where is India? Unsurprisingly it was 85th in 2022.

 

Causes of corruption – aetiology

With a definition not entirely clear searching for the causes can be a daunting task, but a task we must put our minds to, if we are thinking of getting rid of the malady one day. I feel that corruption stems from:

 

1. Administrative delays
2. Government arrogating to itself more than it can handle by way of regulatory functions
3. The scope of individual discretion in the exercise of power vested in the government officials
4. Cumbersome procedures that deal with issues that impact the citizen’s day to day life
5. Too many regulations and ambiguity in laws.
6. Lack of common standards in matters related to prosecution, departmental action, awards and punishments

 

The most common types or categories of corruption are supply versus demand corruption, grand versus petty corruption, conventional versus unconventional corruption and public versus private corruption but if you go into their genesis you will find one or more of the above six reasons. The causes of corruption in India include excessive regulations, complicated tax and licensing systems, numerous government departments with opaque bureaucracy and discretionary powers, monopoly of government controlled institutions on certain goods and services delivery, and the lack of transparent laws and processes.

  

How is corruption harming us?

Corruption leads to poverty, impedes development, and discourages investment, both local and foreign. In addition, it undermines the political and judicial systems, which are supposed to serve the public interest. As the rule of law deteriorates and the people’s voices stifled, public confidence in government officials and national institutions declines. Moreover, corruption causes and maintains the inequality between haves and have nots leading to discontent, political and social instability, violent extremism, and war. This is happening throughout the world, but particularly in fragile and violent regions like Sudan, Somalia, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

 

Corruption impedes economic growth and the creation of jobs. Each dollar, euro and all currencies that are misappropriated or stolen, deprives the poor of an equal opportunity in life and prevents governments from investing in their human resources. Corruption has a disproportionate impact on the poor and the most vulnerable, increasing costs and restricting access to services such as health, education, and justice. The human cost of counterfeit drugs and vaccinations on health outcomes, as well as the long-term consequences for children, far exceed the financial costs. The poor can be particularly harmed by unofficial payments for services (bribes and extortions). The World Bank estimates that international bribery exceeds US$1.5 trillion per year, which is equivalent to 2% of the global GDP and 10 times the total global aid budget. This is enriching the corrupt and robbing future generations.

 

How can we fight corruption?

Corruption primarily involves selfish exercise of power, which operates in shadows, aided by opaque systems. Transparency is the key to break this shadowy nexus. This and accountability in governance system are key to fight corruption. Globalization has a great role in this fight. In recent years, nongovernmental organizations such as Transparency International have played an increasingly vital role in calling our corrupt nations and depriving them of foreign investments because of bad reputation of being corrupt.

 

Technology, particularly digital technology is a big step towards fighting corruption. It has put the citizen directly in touch with the government institutions removing the human interface, which at times, was more of a hindrance than a help. Technology has:

 

1. ushered the age of information, so that information can be seamlessly disseminated. Institutions can leverage technology to make vital information regarding public services readily available in the public domain, and thus improve transparency.

2. generated and established the importance of data. Data can make it possible to detect and deter fraud risks, complex networks and corrupt practices by way of cross-referencing public databases.

3. cut red tape through automation of bureaucratic processes. Complex procedures are cumbersome and typically lay the ground for corruption. With no opportunities for face-to-face interactions between citizens and public officials, digital processes substantially reduce the opportunities for soliciting or accepting bribes

 

The importance of technology to fight corruption is best exemplified by the success of the corroborated by the success of the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes in India. The 'JAM Trinity' of the Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile significantly eliminated intermediaries, made it easier to detect and deter fraud risks and therefore, prevented leakages in the system. As a result, 351 schemes deploying the DBT model were reported to have saved Rs 1.70 lakh crore (1 trillion, 700 billion) from falling into the hands of middlemen. The backbone of the system was the Aadhaar digital ID program, which is being used to deliver government subsidies, benefits, and services. The mandatory linking of Aadhaar with one’s bank accounts, mobile numbers and other identity proofs has created a strong database for cross-referencing purposes and facilitated the identification and elimination of ghost beneficiaries.

 

Introducing digital processes in tax filing has also helped reduce tax evasion. Since the Goods and Services Tax (GST) filings are mandatorily done electronically through the GST Network, which is also linked with the Aadhaar system, it has minimized the face-to-face interaction between taxpayers and tax officials, bringing greater transparency to the process. 

 

A change is needed both in individuals and in the social and political system. Combating corruption is not merely a matter of making laws and creating institutions. Human values and morals are invaluable and they need to be inculcated in formative years with ethical guidance and education. When individuals are morally upright and aware, their support, participation and vigilance will deter the corrupt. Sanskar hi bhrashtachar rok sakti hai, sarkar nahin.

 

The government has to establish mechanism for citizen’s and whistle blower’s complaints, keeping their identity confidential. Implementation and strengthening of RTI and state Right to Services Acts will deter corruption. Technology will gradually replace the human interface and with Artificial Intelligence and 5G technology we further boost the efficacy of technology to combat corruption.