Monday, April 18, 2011

Corruption in India

Tomorrow is my paper on financial crime and I have questions that we have discussed over and over in class and I wonder what others here think about it.

1. Do you think corruption is culture sensitive?
1.1 If yes, then has corruption become a part of the Indian culture?
2. Does religion have anything to do with corruption? I don't mean a particular religion being more corrupt but rather a religious person being more corrupt than a non- religious?
2.1 Is religion just a cover for our black/dirty money? Think Tirupati and the crores spent there.
3. Would increasing the salaries of our public servants solve the problem of corruption? Are they underpaid? Is that the cause of our corruption?
4. What is the best solution for corruption?
5. Can corruption ever be totally and completely eradicated?

Let me know what you think. I will try and compile replies in a post soon along with what I think.

3 comments:

Subhrashis Adhikari said...

1. Do you think corruption is culture sensitive?

no...i think it is dependent on income inequality...more inequality more corruption.

1.1 If yes, then has corruption become a part of the Indian culture?
culture does not create corruption...but corruption influences culture...and it has definitely influenced ours...


2. Does religion have anything to do with corruption? I don't mean a particular religion being more corrupt but rather a religious person being more corrupt than a non- religious?
yes...'religion' is not the cause but can act as catalyst where there is inequality

2.1 Is religion just a cover for our black/dirty money? Think Tirupati and the crores spent there.
earlier i mentioned religion in quotes...it dependes on how you define religion..religion is basically a way of life...if u associate it with a particular faith then yes it can be a cover

3. Would increasing the salaries of our public servants solve the problem of corruption? Are they underpaid? Is that the cause of our corruption?
might help...we need more transparent law...and more 'proper'education/awareness amongst masses

4. What is the best solution for corruption?

proper education of mass (long term solution)...better laws (mid term)

5. Can corruption ever be totally and completely eradicated?
no...come on...we r human beings :-)...

hope that helps...

cheers!
SUB

Unknown said...

1. Corruption affects the culture of the state..dont quite thinkit is culture sensitivecoz i beleive morals r personal in nature

2. since corruptionhas to do with morals and integrity,i think religion has noplace there.

3. increase in salary of public servants..nowif it is the likeof police offiecrs,public prosecutors..esponeson the lower grade i agree.
with politicians it is greed and more greed. that is a curse. no cure.

4. best solution? people power.peole must say no. strict action against the most corrupt/
more peoplemust mediate and relise they will die soemday..the fact that u will die, can reduce greed i think.i dont think politicians fear death...

5.. sadly no..as long as humans live,and power system is in place.. greed and jealousy shall remain..it can be minimalised not eradicated.
power definitely corrupts..

sibi said...

There is no direct answer to each of your questions.
Corruption has nothing to do with culture and therefore it is not culture-deterministic. But a culture of corruption can trigger further corruption and that can be contagious.
The reasons for corruption are two fold:
1) Systems which are marred by legal and procedural complexities and those that demand strict compliance create within itself opportunities to flout the rules as there are many takers for shortcuts

2) There is very poor enforcement system and there is less stigma associated with corruption as compared to other crimes.

Corruption, though can't be wiped off totally, can be controlled through transparent procedures and strict punishments.

Corruption is generally associated with the government and public sector. But the extent of corruption in the corporate and private sectors are unimaginable!