12. In the integrity index of Transparency International, India stands very low. Discuss briefly the legal, political, economic, social and cultural factors that have caused the decline of public morality in India.(CSE Mains 2016)GS-II 2016

12. In the integrity index of Transparency International, India stands very low. Discuss briefly the legal, political, economic, social and cultural factors that have caused the decline of public morality in India.(CSE Mains 2016)GS-II 2016

India is ranked 76 out of 168 countries in the Corruption Perception Index published by Berlin based transparency International.

Corruption takes two prominent forms

• Petty corruption which affects common man in his daily affairs and is highly visible
• Mega or wholescale corruption which involves kickbacks for contracts and scams at the higher echelons of the government machinery

Various factors have caused increase in the incidence of corruption,

The absence of strong legislative measures to monitor,  investigate, and prosecute corrupt practices it one of the main reason. The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act was passed only in 2013 after prolonged activism. Recently the government was reprimanded by the Supreme Court for citing technical impediments ( absence of leader of opposition in Lok Sabha ) as reason for delay in appointment of Lokpal. Premier Investigation Agencies such as CBI have been malleable to the political dictates of the ruling party with the supreme court calling it caged parrot speaking in the master's voice. The culture of impunity with slow movement with Court cases has further worsened there legal setup.

The short public memory of citizens has resulted in the repeated election of tainted politicians. That has been only negligible impact on the political fortune of leaders for their corrupt practices. Despite convictions in scams and disproportionate assets the popularity of these leaders has not decreased.

Deeply ingrained inequalities and hierarchical social structure has induced  individuals to achieve parity in economic and political spheres. These insecurities and Inequalities in Indian society have resulted in an psyche of self -aggrandizement. Moreover the lower rung of government servants feel entitled to be paid extra to expedite the official machinery.Chai panai culture has become pervasive.Dhan-Dakshana had been propagated as one of the duties of Dharma by ancient Indian philosophy.

Social bonding of family and community is unconditional. Corrupt individuals are ready condoned by the group. There is no stigma or peer pressure to inhibit corruption. Corruption has become the norm and honesty, the exception.

Kings patronaged and discriminated in favour of their favourites. Colonial administration also promoted and nurtured the culture of nepotism and appeasement to aid them.

The absence of recognition for honesty and integrity along with absence of deterrence to corruption has caused a decline in public morality and increase the incidence of corrupt practices in India.