Q5(b). Poverty and Corruption

Q5(b). It is often said that poverty leads to corruption. However, there is no dearth of instances where affluent and powerful people indulge in corruption in a big way. What are the basic causes of corruption among people? Support your answer with examples. (150 words)
 
Answer
While poverty may lead to corruption, prosperity does not automatically lead to honesty. While the needs of a human being are limited, there is no end to greed—which leads to corruption in the affluent and powerful people. The basic causes of corruption are as follows:
 
• Complicated rules and regulations.
• Lack of transparency and accountability.
• Too much discretionary power to officials.
• Poor regulatory framework.
• Poor grievance redressal mechanism.
• Very low rate of detection of corruption.
• Lack of condemnation of corrupt practices by the public.
• Absence of a formal system of inculcating values, ethics and integrity.
• Inadequacy of regular/periodic/surprise checks.
• Rigid bureaucratic framework/processes for removal of a corrupt officer.
• Lack of awareness about rights and duties in the citizens
• Complicated procedure to complain against corruption
 
It is observed that despite substantial increase in the government salaries, corruption has not declined. Many top politicians and senior civil servants in India have been arrested for corruption, and many senior officers of the government have retired compulsorily on charges of corruption. (167 words)
 
Q5(b). Poverty and Corruption
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