Corruption is as old as human history. It has existed in human society in one form or the other. Kautilya said that “As it is impossible not to taste the honey that one finds at the tip of the tongue, it is also impossible for a government official not to eat up at least a bit of King’s revenue”. He identified about 40 forms of corruption. This legacy has continued unabated after India’s Independence. 

Corruption is plaguing the Indian society and polity.

Causes:

1. Greediness: Thomas Hobbes viewed man as selfish, acquisitive, aggressive and greedy. This encourages him to amass wealth whenever he gets an opportunity. Therefore people fight and compete for power and position. They make hay while the sun shines. In the land of Harishchandra, Buddha, Gandhi and Jayaprakash Narain, it is unfortunate that most of the politicians and bureaucrats have indulged in corrupt activities.

For them, end justifies the means. Nepotism, favouritism and cronyism are pervasive phenomena in India’s Public Administration. Conduct rules adopted for all India Services and Railway Services have not deterred the officials from corrupt practices.

2. Selfishness: “Service to the people is Service to God” has been ignored by the people in power. They work for their benefit but not for the society though service is their motto.

3. Corrupt politicans: Though the election system is flawless, the process of implementation is corrupted. Votes are being purchased and voters are driven to polling booths in order to get votes in their favour.

4. Lack of Morality: Parents and elders at home, teachers in class rooms have to impart moral education. Because it is said that destiny of the country is shaped in class rooms. In case it is not done, it leads to deterioration of values which finally leads to corruption.