1. India’s predicament – Corruption and Bribery
Since time immemorial corruption and bribery have prevailed in the world. These
felonies are not limited to public and private office but extend even to the daily lives
of common man. Corruption is a misuse of an authority and position of confidence to
gain an unjustifiable benefit. On the other hand the practice of offering cash or kind
to gain a dishonest advantage is bribery.
Corruption and bribery in a developing society like India is too grave to be
overlooked. As these two illegal deeds are so common in India, it is taken for
granted that it must and it will continue forever. There are many reasons for
corruption and bribery to blossom in India.
Firstly, the process of growth and development in itself makes people of the
disadvantaged and neglected groups or sections to get fruits of development
through illegal means.
Secondly, the democratic setting provides a chance for everyone to come in to
power; this tempts them to use money power to succeed in such deceitful
competitive activities. By doing this they attempt for advancement of social status,
power and influence.
Thirdly, the prevalence of necessary social evils like dowry, big fat weddings,
owning a huge dream house, getting a dream job in government or autonomous
institutions, driving a high end luxury car and the list never ends…. which the
mediocre middle and lower classes can’t afford or get by following the right path is
what actually fuels the fire of corruption and bribery. In this scenario, the two
malicious deeds become a means for improving the standard of living and status in
society. I have seen that false prestige is an attitude and value in India, which is an
even greater crime than corruption and bribery.
Fourthly, rising consumerism in terms of love for branded foreign goods is also an
irrigated culprit for growing the weeds of corruption and bribery.
It is about time that we heed to the argument of sociologists about consumerism.
Consumerism is merely a trait of middle class society. Uncontrollable consumerism,
shortages and scarcity of goods need to be questioned in Indian society because it
plays a negative role.
Fifthly, earning the right way and enjoying a good reputation is no longer a so
important and well thought of in India. Many forms of corruption are considered to
be honorable businesses. As long as society goes with this, corrupt practices will
tend to grow faster than ever before.
Sixthly, in a highly stratified society like India the leveling process is almost always
achieved by corrupt means.

2. Finally, it can be said that the several shortcomings of Indian societal structure,
attitudes and value system provide an impetus to corruption and bribery. The
political, economic and administrative process loopholes just add to the worsening
situation.
So then, what is the best way out? Should Indian government only take severe
actions, strict laws, let CBI (Central; Bureau of Investigation) and the CVC
(Central Vigilance Commission) do their job without government intervention;
ensure professional and ethical practices by public and private sector officials,
speed up enquiry and judgment process of courts, have more courts? Are these the
solutions to the grave danger of corruption and briber that we as a society are
cornered today?
The core causes should be addressed and treated efficiently rather than the
aftershock. Education that embeds good social values, ethics, attitudes and morals is
the key for Indian society to be free from the grips of the growing unconstructive
nuisances such as corruption and bribery. There should be a radical alteration in the
way each and Indian feels and acts responsibly and becomes accountable rather
than just pass the buck on to the government or to the legal system.