Challenges of Corruption

Introduction

Corruption is the misuse of public office for private gain. It erodes trust, diverts development funds, weakens institutions, increases inequality, and undermines ethical governance.

Corruption is not only a financial crime—it is fundamentally an ethical failure where personal interest overrides public duty.

Section A — What is Corruption?

Corruption includes any behaviour by a public official that involves abuse of authority, violation of rules, misuse of public resources, or bias for private gain.

flowchart LR
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  classDef gold fill:#FFF8E1,stroke:#FFB300,color:#5D4037;

  A["Corruption"]:::teal --> B["Abuse of Authority"]:::gold
  A --> C["Misuse of Public
Funds/Resources"]:::gold
  A --> D["Bribery or Kickbacks"]:::gold
  A --> E["Favouritism & Bias"]:::gold
  A --> F["Personal or Political Gain"]:::gold

Section B — Why Corruption Occurs (Determinants)

Corruption arises due to interacting structural, personal, institutional, social, and economic factors.

flowchart TD
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  classDef grey fill:#ECEFF1,stroke:#546E7A,color:#37474F;
  classDef gold fill:#FFF8E1,stroke:#FFB300,color:#5D4037;

  A["Determinants of Corruption"]:::teal --> B["Structural
Red Tape, Monopoly Power"]:::gold
  A --> C["Personal
Greed, Moral Weakness"]:::grey
  A --> D["Institutional
Weak Controls, Political Pressure"]:::gold
  A --> E["Social
Acceptance of Bribery"]:::grey
  A --> F["Economic
Low Wages, High Discretion"]:::gold

Section C — Forms of Corruption

Section D — Impact of Corruption

Corruption damages governance, economy, society, and democracy.

flowchart TD
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  classDef gold fill:#FFF8E1,stroke:#FFB300,color:#5D4037;
  classDef grey fill:#ECEFF1,stroke:#546E7A,color:#37474F;

  A["Impact of Corruption"]:::teal --> B["Governance:
Weak Rule of Law,
Inefficiency"]:::gold
  A --> C["Economic:
High Costs,
Low Investment"]:::grey
  A --> D["Social:
Inequality,
Distrust"]:::gold
  A --> E["Political:
Criminalisation,
Weak Accountability"]:::grey

Section E — Sectors Most Vulnerable to Corruption

Section F — Systemic Challenges in Curbing Corruption

Corruption persists because of deep institutional and cultural weaknesses.

flowchart LR
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  classDef grey fill:#ECEFF1,stroke:#546E7A,color:#37474F;

  A["Why Corruption Persists"]:::teal --> B["Weak Enforcement"]:::grey
  A --> C["Political–Administrative Nexus"]:::grey
  A --> D["Complex Procedures"]:::grey
  A --> E["Opaque Systems"]:::grey
  A --> F["Fear of Reprisal"]:::grey
  A --> G["Social Acceptance"]:::grey
  A --> H["Weak Ethical Culture"]:::grey

Section G — Measures to Combat Corruption

1. Legal Measures

• Prevention of Corruption Act
• Lokpal & Lokayuktas
• Whistleblower Protection
• Benami Transactions Act
• RTI Act

2. Administrative Reforms

• Simplification of procedures
• Reduction of discretion
• Time-bound service delivery
• Vigilance systems

3. Technology-Based Solutions

flowchart LR
  classDef teal fill:#E0F2F1,stroke:#00695C,color:#004D40;
  classDef gold fill:#FFF8E1,stroke:#FFB300,color:#5D4037;

  A["Anti-Corruption Tech"]:::teal --> B["e-Procurement"]:::gold
  A --> C["DBT Transfers"]:::gold
  A --> D["PFMS Fund Tracking"]:::gold
  A --> E["Biometric Systems"]:::gold
  A --> F["CCTV & GIS Monitoring"]:::gold

4. Social Measures

• Social audits
• Citizen monitoring
• Public awareness
• Media activism

5. Ethical Governance

• Codes of conduct
• Integrity training
• Role-modelling by leaders
• Whistleblower-friendly culture

Section H — Smart Summary